August 1, 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 man has died and another is in a critical condition following a multi-vehicle crash involving three cars and a truck on the Newell Highway in Central West New South Wales. The incident shut down the highway between Forbes and Parkes for more than 12 hours.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, 31 July 2025
  • Crash Time: Afternoon (exact time not specified)
  • Location: Newell Highway between Forbes and Parkes, NSW

Vehicles Involved

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Deceased: 48-year-old man – died at the scene
  • Critical: 31-year-old man – airlifted to Canberra Hospital
  • Minor Injuries: 32-year-old female passenger of the ute

Crash Description
The collision reportedly caused both a ute and the unladen cattle truck to ignite, with the fire spreading to nearby grassland. Emergency services arrived at what they described as a “traumatic scene” and managed to extinguish the fires.

Road and Traffic Impacts

  • Newell Highway was closed in both directions for more than 12 hours
  • Reopened at 4:00am on Friday, 1 August 2025

Investigation
Central West Police and the Crash Investigation Unit have established a crime scene. Preliminary inquiries suggest that fatigue may have contributed to the crash, though the official cause is still under investigation.

Witnesses/Appeals
Police are urging anyone with dashcam footage or who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Contact Details

  • Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
  • Online Reporting: [NSW Crime Stoppers](https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au)