A man has been arrested after a fatal two-vehicle crash near Newcastle at the weekend.
Just after 2.40am on Sunday 22 June 2025, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were patrolling on Newcastle Road, Wallsend, when they sighted a Holden Commodore allegedly bearing unauthorised number plates.
Police signalled for the vehicle to stop; however, the Commodore allegedly continued driving in a dangerous manner, and officers did not engage in a pursuit due to safety concerns.
A short time later, a second police vehicle was monitoring the Commodore on Newcastle Road, North Lambton, when the vehicle again allegedly crossed onto the incorrect side of the road, and officers lost sight of the vehicle.
Police continued to monitor the area and were called to the eastbound lanes of Newcastle Road at North Lambton following reports the Holden Commodore crashed head-on with a Hyundai sedan travelling in the opposite direction.
The passenger of the Hyundai – a woman believed to be aged 55 – died at the scene.
The driver of the Hyundai – a 28-year-old woman – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a serious condition. Police were later informed that the woman was pregnant and had subsequently lost her unborn child.
The driver and front passenger of the Holden allegedly left the scene prior to police arrival.
The two rear passengers in the Holden – two girls aged 15 and 17 – were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where they both remain in serious conditions.
A crime scene was established and a critical incident team from Hunter Valley Police District began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The critical incident investigation is ongoing and will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
Following extensive inquiries, police attached to Strike Force Carrarang – assisted by Operation UTAH officers – arrested a 19-year-old man at a home in Mayfield about 3.15pm today (Tuesday 24 June 2025).
He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he is assisting police.
Police have also spoken with a 17-year-old girl believed to be the front passenger of the vehicle.
Inquiries into the incident continue under Strike Force Carrarang.
