Teenager Killed, Horse Euthanised in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Kamilaroi Highway
The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon, with emergency services arriving at the scene shortly after 3pm.
Despite receiving first aid from a passer-by and subsequent treatment from paramedics, the teenager, a passenger in the horse truck, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The driver of the horse truck, a 38-year-old man, was taken to hospital in a stable condition and will undergo mandatory testing.
Investigation Ongoing
Police are seeking witnesses to the crash, particularly a male passer-by who provided first aid to the teenager and may be able to assist with the investigation.
Peel Traffic and Highway Patrol Acting Inspector Carter Knyvett urged anyone with information to come forward, stating that the community was “extra sad” about the loss of a local teenager.
The Kamilaroi Highway was closed in both directions for 17 hours following the crash but has since reopened.
The 66-year-old tractor driver and the 33-year-old semi-trailer driver were taken to hospital for mandatory testing, but neither was injured.
Three other horses in the truck required veterinary care.
Road Toll Rises in New South Wales
The incident marks the latest in a string of fatal accidents on New South Wales roads, with the state’s road toll standing at 228 as of last Thursday, compared to 194 at the same time last year.
Acting Inspector Knyvett appealed to drivers to exercise extra caution, especially during the harvest season when oversized vehicles are more frequent on the roads.