A man has been charged following an investigation into a serious multi-vehicle crash in the state's west earlier this year.
About 8.40am on Thursday 14 May 2026, emergency services were called to Mitchell Highway, Neurea, about 65km south of Dubbo, following reports of a multi-vehicle crash.
Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District were told a semitrailer allegedly crashed into the rear of a Toyota ute, which caused it to crash into the rear of another Holden ute and a truck – which were all stopped at a set of lights.
The semitrailer allegedly continued for a further 500 meters before coming to a stop.
The front passenger of the Holden – a 70-year-old woman – was trapped for some time before being extricated and airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.
The driver of the Toyota – a 45-year-old man – was airlifted to hospital for further treatment.
The truck driver – a 36-year-old man – and the semitrailer driver – a 54-year-old man – and the driver of the Holden – a 74-year-old man – were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries. The two younger men were taken to hospital for further treatment.
All four drivers were subject to mandatory testing, and the four vehicles were seized to undergo forensic examination.
A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced by the Crash Investigation Unit into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Following a search of the semitrailer, police allegedly located and seized 9.7grams of methylamphetamine, heroin, and drug paraphernalia.
Following extensive inquiries, today (Thursday 13 August 2026), police attended a home in Dubbo and arrested a 54-year-old man.
He was taken to Dubbo Police Station, where he was charged with:
- Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm - drive manner dangerous,
- Cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,
- Negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm),
- Supply prohibited drug greater than small and less than indictable quantity, and
- Two counts of possess prohibited drug.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday 23 September 2026 and his licence was suspended.
