November 6, 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 45-year-old construction worker has died after being struck by a material transfer vehicle (MTV) at a major New England Highway roadworks site near Tarro, north of Newcastle, late Thursday night, November 6, 2025.

Emergency services were called to the scene just before midnight, following reports that a man had been hit by a vehicle during overnight road construction operations.

Police said the worker had been standing behind a parked truck when he was allegedly struck by the MTV, which was moving toward the truck.

The man, who was employed as part of the M1 extension project between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace, died at the scene from critical injuries. The male driver of the MTV was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.

“Police were told the man was standing behind a parked truck when he was allegedly hit by a material transfer vehicle travelling towards the truck.” — NSW Police / ABC Newcastle

A crime scene was established, and investigations are being conducted by NSW Police and SafeWork NSW. The worksite’s principal contractors, John Holland and Gamuda, have suspended operations and are providing counselling to staff and contractors.

Location and Time

  • Incident Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025 (just before midnight)
  • Location: New England Highway construction zone, Tarro, near Newcastle, New South Wales

Vehicles Involved

  • Material Transfer Vehicle (MTV) — used in asphalt transfer and road surfacing
  • Parked Truck — construction vehicle positioned at the worksite

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • 45-year-old male worker — sustained fatal injuries after being struck by a moving material transfer vehicle; declared deceased at the scene.
  • Other Individuals:
    • Driver of MTV — male, taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing; no reported injuries.

Emergency Response

  • Police, paramedics, and fire crews responded to the Tarro worksite shortly before midnight.
  • Despite immediate medical intervention attempts, the worker could not be revived.
  • NSW Police established a **crime scene**, and the area was cordoned off for examination by **forensic investigators** and **SafeWork NSW** inspectors.
  • All construction activity on site was suspended while the **John Holland-Gamuda joint venture** initiated internal review and employee support measures.

“Work onsite has stopped and all staff and contractors are being offered counselling and support.” — John Holland & Gamuda Joint Venture Statement

Police and Regulatory Investigation
The NSW Police and SafeWork NSW have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause and contributing factors of the incident. Investigators are focusing on:

  • Whether safety protocols were followed during vehicle movements within the worksite.
  • Visibility, lighting, and communication measures between operators and ground workers.
  • Compliance with occupational health and safety standards governing heavy machinery operation on road construction projects.
  • Worksite layout and proximity between stationary and moving machinery at the time of the incident.

The joint venture contractors are fully cooperating with NSW Police, SafeWork NSW, and Comcare in the ongoing inquiry.

“Our deepest condolences are with the family, friends and work mates of the worker.” — John Holland & Gamuda Joint Venture Statement

Community and Industry Impact
The fatality has deeply affected the Newcastle and Hunter Valley construction community, with major works on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension halted pending safety reviews.

The material transfer vehicle, commonly used in large-scale asphalt paving, allows for continuous asphalt supply to paving machines. Safety advocates have called for renewed focus on blind-spot awareness and spotter supervision during operation in confined worksites.

The tragedy adds to a recent pattern of worksite fatalities in NSW, drawing renewed attention to worker safety standards on major infrastructure projects.

“Obviously, this incident is devastating — it will have a lasting impact on the workforce and the local community.” — Construction Safety Representative (ABC Newcastle)

Appeal for Information
NSW Police are appealing to any witnesses or individuals with information regarding the incident to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers NSW: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestoppers.com.au](https://www.crimestoppers.com.au).
  • SafeWork NSW: Submit workplace safety information at [www.safework.nsw.gov.au](https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au).