A man has died after a four-vehicle crash in the state's central west.
About 3.10pm today (Thursday 31 July 2025), emergency services responded to reports of a multi vehicle crash along the Newell Highway, Daroobalgie, approximately 20km north of Forbes.
The 48-year-old male driver of a charcoal-coloured Ford Everest died prior to the arrival of emergency services. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 31-year-old male passenger at the scene before he was airlifted to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition.
A white Ford Ranger rolled onto its near side and caught fire. The 25-year-old female driver was uninjured. A 32-year-old female passenger suffered minor injuries.
A B-double unladen cattle truck also caught on fire. The 24-year-old male driver of the truck and a 22-year-old female passenger were not injured.
Fire from the vehicles spread to nearby grassland.
NSW Fire and Rescue extinguished the fires.
The Ranger and cabin of the truck were completely destroyed by the fire. The truck trailers were not affected.
Both drivers have been taken to Forbes Hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers from Central West Police District have established a crime scene and are awaiting the arrival of specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
Police have been informed that a fourth vehicle – not described at this stage – was involved in the crash but failed to stop and was last seen travelling north along the Newell Highway.
The roadway is closed in both directions and is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time. Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
As inquiries commence anyone with information about the crash – or was in the area at the time with any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – is urged to contact Forbes Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
