Driver Trapped for Seven Hours After Fatal B-Double Truck Crash on Hume Highway Near Yass – February 13, 2025

Incident Overview
A fatal crash involving two B-double trucks occurred on the Hume Highway near Oolong, east of Yass, in southern New South Wales. One driver tragically died at the scene, while another was trapped in the wreckage for an extraordinary seven hours before being freed by emergency services. The complex rescue operation involved Fire and Rescue NSW, paramedics, and police, who worked tirelessly to stabilize and extricate the critically injured driver.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on the Hume Highway near Oolong, approximately 50 kilometers east of Yass. The incident took place just after 1:00 am on Thursday, February 13, 2025 .

Vehicles Involved
The crash involved two B-double trucks. The first truck veered off the roadway and rolled, and the second truck collided with it from behind. No further details about the makes or models of the trucks have been released.

Crash Description
The first B-double truck left the roadway and rolled onto its side. A second B-double truck traveling behind it collided with the overturned vehicle. The impact was severe, resulting in the death of one driver and trapping the second driver inside the wreckage. Emergency services conducted a prolonged and complex rescue operation to free the trapped driver, who remained alive for seven hours despite the severity of the crash.

Injuries/Fatalities
One male driver died at the scene as a result of the crash. The second driver, a man in his 20s, sustained critical injuries and was trapped in the wreckage for seven hours. He was eventually airlifted to the hospital in critical condition after being stabilized by paramedics.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including Fire and Rescue NSW, paramedics, and police, were dispatched to the scene shortly after 1:00 am. Firefighters used specialized equipment to “cut, push, spread, and lift” the wreckage apart, while paramedics worked to manage the trapped driver’s pain and stabilize his condition. A heavy-haulage tow truck was brought in to assist in separating the trucks and freeing the driver. Superintendent Adam Dewberry of Fire and Rescue NSW described the operation as “extremely rare,” noting that such rescues typically take no more than 1.5 hours.

Investigation
Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators will examine potential factors such as speed, road conditions, driver behavior, or mechanical issues. Authorities are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage that may assist in determining the sequence of events leading up to the collision.

Witnesses/Appeals
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to drivers or pedestrians who were traveling on the Hume Highway near Oolong around 1:00 am on Thursday, February 13, 2025 . Dashcam or CCTV footage from nearby properties may also provide valuable evidence and can be submitted to investigators.

Community Impact
The tragic loss of life and the prolonged rescue operation have deeply affected the local community and travelers along the Hume Highway. The crash caused significant traffic disruptions, with southbound lanes closed between Yass and Goulburn and only one northbound lane open. Trucks up to 26 meters long have been diverted along the Federal and Barton highways, while all other heavy vehicles are being parked until further notice. The highway is expected to remain restricted while investigations continue.

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors could include excessive speed, driver fatigue, poor road conditions, or environmental conditions such as weather or visibility. The configuration and weight of the B-double trucks, as well as any mechanical issues, may also be considered as part of the inquiry.