June 26, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
An 11-year-old boy has died following a serious two-vehicle crash on the New England Highway in Murulla, located approximately 20 minutes south of Scone in the Hunter region. The collision involved a Holden Barina and a Nissan Elgrand. The boy was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (approximately 7:45 am)
  • Location: New England Highway, Murulla, New South Wales (Hunter region)

Vehicles Involved

  • Holden Barina – driven by an 85-year-old man
  • Nissan Elgrand – occupied by five people: two women and three youths aged 13, 16, and 19

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • An 11-year-old boy was critically injured and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • None reported beyond the fatality. All other injuries were non-life-threatening.
  • Other Injuries:
    • The 85-year-old Barina driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment and mandatory testing.
    • The five occupants of the Nissan Elgrand (a 38-year-old woman, a 60-year-old woman, a 13-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, and a 19-year-old man) were treated at the scene and transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency Response
Emergency services responded to the crash scene shortly after 7:45 am. An air ambulance transported the 11-year-old boy to John Hunter Hospital in critical condition. Other injured parties received treatment on site before being transferred to hospital. The Barina driver underwent mandatory post-crash drug and alcohol testing as per NSW road safety regulations.

Investigation
NSW Police have commenced an Investigation into the circumstances of the collision. They are examining:

  • The sequence of events leading to the collision between the Barina and the Elgrand
  • Possible causes including vehicle movements, driver behaviour, and road conditions
  • Compliance with traffic rules and mechanical conditions of the vehicles involved

A report will be prepared for the Coroner in relation to the boy’s death.

Community Impact
The tragic loss of a child has shocked the regional community, raising concerns about safety along this stretch of the New England Highway. The crash also resulted in the hospitalisation of multiple individuals from the same vehicle, further highlighting the impact on families and first responders.

Witnesses/Appeals
NSW Police are appealing to the public for information. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the New England Highway near Murulla around 7:45 am on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, is urged to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers NSW: Call 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
  • Witness Reporting: Contact NSW Police via your local police station or the official NSW Police Force website.