One Dead, Another Critically Injured in B-Double Truck Crash on Hume Hwy at Oolong – February 13, 2025

Incident Overview
A fatal crash involving two B-double trucks occurred on the Hume Highway near Pedell Lane at Oolong, approximately 280 kilometers southwest of Sydney. One driver tragically died at the scene, while the second driver remains trapped in the wreckage and is fighting for his life. Emergency services are working to free the trapped driver as investigations into the crash continue.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on the Hume Highway near Pedell Lane at Oolong, about 280 kilometers southwest of Sydney. The incident took place at approximately 1:15 am on Thursday, February 13, 2025 .

Vehicles Involved
The crash involved two B-double trucks. The first truck left the roadway and rolled, and the second truck collided with the rear of the overturned vehicle. No further details about the makes or models of the trucks have been released.

Crash Description
The first B-double truck veered off the roadway and rolled near Pedell Lane. A second B-double truck traveling behind it collided with the rear of the crashed truck. The impact was severe, resulting in the death of one driver and leaving the second driver critically injured and trapped in the wreckage. Emergency services, including NSW Ambulance, RFS crews, and police, responded to the scene and worked tirelessly to extricate the trapped driver.

Injuries/Fatalities
The male driver of the first truck tragically died at the scene. The driver of the second truck was critically injured and remained trapped in the wreckage for several hours. By 6:00 am, he was close to being extricated by emergency services. His condition is described as critical, and he is fighting for his life.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including three ambulance trucks, a helicopter, and RFS crews, were dispatched to the scene shortly after 1:15 am. They worked extensively to free the trapped driver and provide medical assistance. Police secured the area and managed traffic disruptions caused by the crash. By 7:00 am, emergency personnel were still at the scene conducting recovery and investigation efforts.

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

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 Pedell Lane around 1:15 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 critical injuries sustained by the second driver have deeply affected the Oolong community and travelers along the Hume Highway. The crash has caused significant traffic disruptions, with all southbound lanes closed and traffic diverted to the Federal Highway and Barton Highway. Vehicles over 25 meters in length have been instructed to park, and authorities have advised motorists to allow extra travel time due to the ongoing investigation.

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.