Man Dies After Being Dragged from Burning Vehicle Following Fiery Crash at Rock Forest – February 18, 2025

Incident Overview
A 62-year-old man has tragically died more than two weeks after being pulled from the fiery wreckage of a single-vehicle crash at Rock Forest, NSW. The incident occurred on February 2, 2025 , when the car he was traveling in collided with a tree and caught fire. A heroic neighbor dragged both occupants—himself and a 19-year-old man—from the burning vehicle before the flames spread to nearby bushland. While the younger man remains hospitalized, the older man succumbed to his injuries on Monday, February 17, 2025. A crime scene has been established, and investigations are ongoing.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on Ophir Road at Rock Forest, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Bathurst, NSW. The incident took place on February 2, 2025 , with emergency services responding promptly to reports of the fiery collision.

Vehicles Involved
The crash involved a single vehicle, which collided with a tree and burst into flames. The intense fire spread to nearby bushland, posing additional risks to the surrounding area. The vehicle was severely damaged in the crash, leaving it unrecognizable by the time emergency services arrived.

Crash Description
Police report that the vehicle veered off Ophir Road and collided with a tree, causing it to catch fire almost immediately. A neighbor from a nearby property acted swiftly, dragging the two occupants—aged 62 and 19—from the burning wreckage as the flames began spreading to the surrounding bushland. The neighbor then transported them to a nearby residence, where he administered first aid until paramedics arrived.

Emergency services worked tirelessly to stabilize the victims before transporting them to hospitals for further treatment. The 62-year-old man was airlifted to a Sydney hospital due to the severity of his injuries, while the 19-year-old was taken by ambulance to Bathurst Airport and subsequently airlifted to Sydney for specialized care.

Injuries/Fatalities

• The 62-year-old man sustained serious burns and was airlifted to a Sydney hospital. He tragically passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, more than two weeks after the crash.
• The 19-year-old man also suffered serious burns and remains hospitalized in Sydney for further treatment. His condition is described as serious but stable.

A report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the death of the 62-year-old man.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics and police, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Paramedics provided urgent medical attention to the two men, treating them for serious burns before transporting them to hospitals. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further into the bushland. Police secured the area and established a crime scene to facilitate their investigation.

Investigation
NSW Police have launched an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are examining potential factors such as speed, road conditions, driver behavior, or mechanical issues. Authorities are appealing to witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward and assist with their inquiry.

A crime scene remains in place at the crash site as police gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the collision. A report will be prepared for the coroner to determine the exact cause of the 62-year-old man’s death.

Community Impact
The tragic death of the 62-year-old man has deeply affected the Rock Forest community, with residents expressing their condolences to his family. The incident has also highlighted the bravery of the neighbor who risked his life to save the two men from the burning vehicle. His quick thinking and actions likely prevented further loss of life.

The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by single-vehicle accidents, particularly on rural roads where conditions can be unpredictable. Community members are calling for improved safety measures, such as better signage, lighting, and road maintenance, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors could include excessive speed, driver distraction, fatigue, or environmental conditions such as weather or road surface. The condition of the vehicle and whether seatbelts were used may also be considered as part of the inquiry.