A shocking incident has shaken the community in northern NSW, where three teenagers have been arrested after an alleged fatal hit-and-run accident involving a stolen vehicle.
The incident occurred on the Kamilaroi Highway, west of Gunnedah, and has left one motorcyclist dead.
The Chase Begins
According to police, the ordeal started at around 7:15 am when they attempted to stop a white utility on the Kamilaroi Highway.
The vehicle, allegedly stolen from a home in Moree earlier that day, failed to pull over, prompting a high-speed chase.
Traffic and Highway Patrol officers pursued the vehicle towards Gunnedah, where it allegedly collided with a motorcycle, critically injuring the rider.
A Tragic Outcome
Despite the efforts of paramedics, the motorcyclist succumbed to their injuries and died at the scene.
The utility, however, continued through the town of Gunnedah and onto the Oxley Highway, where additional police began a second chase.
The vehicle eventually lost control and crashed near the small town of Carrol, east of Gunnedah.
Arrests and Investigation
Three 14-year-olds, who were in the car, were arrested and taken to Tamworth Police Station.
Police have established crime scenes at the site of the motorcyclist’s death and the utility crash, and are using drones and search dogs to gather evidence.
The Kamilaroi Highway remains closed in both directions around the scene where the motorcyclist was struck, with the Oxley Highway open to traffic.
Ongoing Investigation
The motorcyclist who died is yet to be formally identified, and a critical incident investigation team will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the devastating consequences of this tragic event. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.