December 9, 2024

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 49-year-old man from Canberra has died in a freak accident on the Burley Griffin Way in New South Wales. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, December 8, 2024, when an object dislodged from a caravan being towed in the opposite direction, striking the man’s car and causing fatal injuries.

Location and Time

The accident happened just before 6:30 pm on the Burley Griffin Way at Galong, NSW.

Vehicles Involved

The incident involved two vehicles: a car traveling eastbound, and a vehicle towing a caravan traveling westbound.

Incident Description

An item dislodged from the caravan being towed in the westbound lane, crossed the median strip, and struck the windscreen of the car traveling eastbound. The object struck the driver in the head, causing fatal injuries.

Injuries/Fatalities

The 49-year-old male driver of the eastbound car died at the scene. A 48-year-old woman and two teenage girls, aged 16 and 13, who were passengers in the car, were not physically injured but were taken to Canberra Hospital for shock. The 32-year-old driver of the vehicle towing the caravan was not injured.

Emergency Response

Emergency services were called to the scene, but the driver of the car could not be saved.

Investigation

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, including how the object became dislodged from the caravan.

Witnesses/Appeals

Anyone with information about the accident or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Community Impact

This tragic and unusual incident has shocked the community and highlights the potential dangers of unsecured loads on vehicles, particularly on highways.

Contributing Factors

The primary contributing factor appears to be the unsecured object on the towed caravan, which dislodged and struck the oncoming car. The investigation will likely focus on determining how the object came loose and whether proper safety precautions were taken to secure the load.