Have any questions? Call us: 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
Eight people, including six children, were injured when the minivan they were traveling in rolled over on the Hume Highway in Marulan, New South Wales. The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and resulted in a major emergency response, including the deployment of three rescue helicopters.
Location and Time
The crash happened just after midday on the Hume Highway in Marulan, near Goulburn, New South Wales. This is a major highway connecting Sydney to Melbourne, and the crash occurred during the daytime when traffic is typically heavy.
Vehicle Involved
The crash involved a single vehicle, a minivan. The make and model of the minivan were not specified in the report.
Crash Description
The minivan, carrying a family of eight, was traveling on the Hume Highway when it rolled over for reasons that are still under investigation. The van ended up on its side, trapping the occupants inside.
Rescue and Injuries
Passing motorists stopped to help and were able to free the eight people trapped inside the minivan. The driver, a man believed to be in his 50s, sustained critical shoulder and chest injuries and was airlifted to Liverpool Hospital. A woman in her 30s also suffered critical injuries, including crush injuries to her leg and pelvis, and was taken to Canberra Hospital. Three of the six children in the van were seriously injured: a teenage girl with crush injuries was flown to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, a teenage boy was taken to Canberra Hospital in serious but stable condition, and three primary school-aged children were taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with various injuries. Another teenage girl was taken to Liverpool Hospital for observation.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including NSW Ambulance paramedics and three rescue helicopters, responded to the scene. The highway was temporarily closed to allow the helicopters to land and for paramedics to treat the injured.
Traffic Disruption
The crash caused significant disruption to traffic on the Hume Highway, with both lanes closed for a period of time. The highway was later reopened, and traffic conditions returned to normal.
Investigation
Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the van rollover. The driver will undergo mandatory testing in the hospital as part of the investigation.
Community Impact
This incident highlights the importance of community assistance in emergency situations, as passing motorists played a crucial role in freeing the trapped occupants of the van. The crash also serves as a reminder of the potential for serious accidents on highways and the need for drivers to remain vigilant.
Contributing Factors
The contributing factors to the crash are still under investigation. Potential factors that may be considered include speed, driver fatigue, distraction, vehicle condition, and road conditions.