Inspector Wilkinson from Griffith Local Area Command (LAC) said that a Toyota sedan being driven by a 70 year old woman was travelling north on the Newell Highway, approximately 5 km south of West Wyalong, when the vehicle crossed to the incorrect side of the road and collided with a B-Double travelling in the opposite direction. The force of the collision caused the Toyota to spin back into the northbound lane and collide with a Toyota van, which had been travelling behind the sedan.

“The driver of the sedan was trapped by confinement with extensive injuries,” Inspector Wilkinson said.  

“Upon release she was conveyed to West Wyalong Hospital, and then later airlifted to Canberra Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.  

“The driver of the B-Double, a male aged 30 from Bendigo, was not injured but was conveyed to West Wyalong Hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.  

“The driver of the Toyota van, a male aged 30 from Griffith, was conveyed to Temora Hospital and treated.

“Police from West Wyalong, Griffith Detectives, Forensic Services Group, and the Traffic and Highway Patrol attended the scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.  

“The Newell Highway was closed for six hours with diversions in place provided by Bland Shire Council and RMS. One lane is now open with contra flow arrangements in place.”

Police are urging any person that may have witnessed the collision to contact Griffith Police Station on 6969 4299 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000