September 11, 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
A fatal crash occurred near Tenterfield in northern New South Wales on Wednesday afternoon, September 10, 2025. At approximately 3:30 pm, a car left the road near the intersection of the Bruxner Highway and Bryans Gap Road, striking a tree before plunging into a dam. An 11-year-old girl, a passenger in the vehicle, was pulled from the water unresponsive and died at the scene. The driver, a 50-year-old woman, was rescued from the water by paramedics and transported to Tenterfield Hospital in a stable condition.

“This is devastating to her family and also for the first responders at the scene.” — Bronwyn Petrie, Tenterfield Mayor

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (approximately 3:30 pm)
  • Location: Intersection of Bruxner Highway and Bryans Gap Road, Tenterfield, New South Wales

Vehicles Involved

  • Passenger vehicle (make/model not specified), carrying a 50-year-old woman driver and an 11-year-old girl passenger

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • 11-year-old girl, passenger, unresponsive when pulled from water and declared deceased at the scene.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • No additional serious injuries beyond the fatality.
  • No Injuries:
    • 50-year-old female driver rescued, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, transported to hospital in stable condition.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services were called at 3:30 pm after reports of a vehicle entering a dam.
  • The 11-year-old girl was pulled from the submerged vehicle but could not be revived.
  • The driver was rescued by paramedics and taken to Tenterfield Hospital.
  • A crime scene was established for forensic investigation.

“Police have established a crime scene and a report will be prepared for the coroner.” — NSW Police

Police Investigation
NSW Police are examining:

  • The sequence of events leading to the car leaving the road and striking a tree before entering the dam.
  • Environmental conditions and roadway factors near the Bruxner Highway and Bryans Gap Road.
  • Statements from witnesses and first responders, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.

Community Impact
The death of the young girl has deeply saddened the Tenterfield community. Mayor Bronwyn Petrie described the crash as devastating for the family and traumatic for the first responders involved. Local residents and officials have expressed grief and support for the family during this tragedy.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers NSW: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestoppers.com.au](https://www.crimestoppers.com.au)
  • Witness Reporting: Contact NSW Police directly or at the nearest police station.