Seven Injured as Car Smashes Through Fence onto Train Tracks in Three-Vehicle Crash on Princes Hwy at Waterfall – February 14, 2025

Incident Overview
A devastating three-vehicle crash occurred on the Princes Highway at Waterfall, in Sydney’s south, early on Friday morning, leaving seven people injured and raising concerns about potential fatalities. One of the vehicles involved in the collision smashed through a fence and landed on train tracks adjacent to the highway. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash. The incident caused significant traffic disruptions, with southbound lanes of the highway closed for several hours.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on the Princes Highway at Waterfall, a key route connecting Sydney and Wollongong. The incident took place at approximately 6:10 am on Friday, February 14, 2025 , during peak travel hours.

Vehicles Involved
The crash involved three vehicles, one of which was traveling at high speed before colliding with two others. The impact sent one of the cars careening off the road, smashing through a fence, and landing on nearby train tracks. While the vehicle came to rest near the T4 train line, it did not obstruct or damage railway infrastructure, and train services remained unaffected. The other two vehicles sustained significant damage, with their occupants requiring urgent medical attention.

Crash Description
The collision occurred when one of the vehicles veered out of control, crossing into the path of two other cars traveling southbound on the Princes Highway. The force of the impact caused one car to flip onto its roof, while another was propelled through a fence and onto the railway tracks. Emergency services arrived promptly to assess the scene, extricate trapped individuals, and provide medical care to the injured.

Local resident Marion described the stretch of road as “tricky,” noting that many drivers exceed the 80 km/h speed limit, often traveling at speeds of up to 100 km/h. She expressed her sadness for those involved and urged motorists to exercise greater caution on the road.

Injuries/Fatalities
Seven people were involved in the crash, all of whom sustained injuries. Six men, aged between 18 and the mid-30s, were hospitalized. Two of the men were taken to Liverpool Hospital, one by road ambulance and the other by helicopter due to the severity of his injuries. Two others were transported to St George Hospital, while another two were taken to Wollongong Hospital. Details regarding the condition of a seventh individual remain unclear at this stage. NSW Ambulance has raised concerns that not all of those injured may survive.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and police, were dispatched to the scene shortly after 6:10 am. Firefighters worked to extricate individuals from the damaged vehicles, while paramedics provided urgent medical care to the injured. Police secured the area and coordinated efforts to manage traffic disruptions caused by the crash. Southbound lanes of the Princes Highway were closed for several hours as emergency services attended to the scene and cleared debris.

Investigation
NSW Police are leading an investigation into the crash, examining factors such as speed, driver behavior, road conditions, and whether mechanical issues played a role. Authorities have appealed to the public for dashcam footage or any other evidence that could assist in piecing together the events leading up to the collision. Early reports suggest that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor, with local residents noting that many drivers exceed the 80 km/h speed limit on this stretch of road.

Community Impact
The crash has deeply affected the local community, with residents expressing their condolences to those involved and their families. The incident also highlighted the challenges faced by commuters during peak travel hours, particularly amid disruptions caused by industrial action affecting train services. Bumper-to-bumper traffic snaked away from the crash site as motorists were diverted via alternative routes, including Heathcote Road, the M5 Motorway, the Hume Motorway, and Picton Road. Light vehicles were advised to consider traveling through the Royal National Park as an alternative route.

The crash has reignited discussions about road safety on the Princes Highway, with calls for improved signage, better enforcement of speed limits, and increased awareness among drivers. Local resident Marion emphasized the need for greater vigilance, urging motorists to be more aware of their surroundings and drive cautiously.

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Investigators are also considering other potential causes, such as driver distraction, fatigue, or environmental conditions. The impact of the rail strike on traffic volumes and commuter behavior may also be examined as part of the inquiry.