May 15, 2025

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Incident Overview
A miraculous survival story emerged from the Northern Beaches of Sydney , where a 32-year-old roofer defied the odds after a horrific single-vehicle crash that left his ute completely destroyed .

On Thursday, May 9, 2025 , at approximately 6:30 am , Mark Peebles was driving a white Toyota Hilux along Mona Vale Road in Terrey Hills , when he lost control and struck a power pole , snapping it at the base.

The impact was so extreme that the vehicle was described as “folded like crumpled tin,” with its front end crushed beyond recognition , and power lines hanging dangerously overhead . Despite suffering multiple critical injuries, Peebles survived — thanks to emergency responders who extracted him and rushed him to Royal North Shore Hospital for urgent treatment.

His family and friends say they are grateful for his survival , but warn his recovery will be long and difficult.

“Anyone who saw the unrecognisable wreck of the ute would never believe someone could survive such a horrible crash.”
— 7NEWS report

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, May 9, 2025 (approximately 6:30 am).
  • Location: Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills, Northern Beaches, Sydney.

Vehicle Involved

  • A **white Toyota Hilux dual-cab ute**, driven by Mark Peebles, which struck a power pole and sustained catastrophic damage.

Injuries

  • Critical Injuries:
    • Mark Peebles suffered multiple leg fractures, spinal damage, and a collapsed lung.
    • He underwent **five major surgeries** and has begun speaking again after being moved out of intensive care.
    • Doctors estimate his full recovery may take **six months to one year**, including relearning how to walk.

Emergency Response

  • Paramedics and firefighters responded swiftly to the scene following reports of a serious crash involving a downed power line.
  • Peebles was trapped in the wreckage and required extrication before being airlifted to hospital.
  • Power lines were secured by electrical crews, and debris was cleared from the road after the incident.

“The conversation you have with him is like a goldfish… It’s just gone within 15 minutes to half an hour, and he doesn’t remember anything all over again.”
— Kim Isik, family friend

Medical Update
Despite the severity of the crash, Mark Peebles is reported to be stable and progressing through early stages of recovery. However, due to head trauma and memory loss, he experiences short-term memory gaps and struggles to retain information.

Family friend Kim Isik said:

“He doesn’t remember anything. He’s got no recollection of the crash or even conversations shortly after waking up.”

Doctors suspect he may have blacked out prior to the crash due to dizziness reported in the days leading up to the incident.

Community Support
The crash has had a profound impact on Peebles’ young family, particularly his wife Monika and their children — a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son .

Monika described the drive to the hospital as “the longest five minutes” of her life. His daughter has been struggling to understand why her father hasn’t come home.

To help ease financial strain during his recovery, close friend Kim Isik launched a GoFundMe campaign , which has seen overwhelming community support.

“Everyone has really come together — you see the best in people during such a traumatic time.”
— Kim Isik

Appeal for Information
While this was a single-vehicle crash , police are still seeking witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of Mona Vale Road around 6:30 am on May 9, 2025 :

  • Crime Stoppers NSW: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersnsw.com.au.
  • Witness Reporting: Contact NSW Police via local station or submit anonymous tips through the official website.

Community Impact
This crash has served as a sobering reminder of the importance of driver awareness and health monitoring while behind the wheel.

The destruction of the ute highlights the extreme forces involved in high-speed impacts , especially when vehicles strike fixed objects like poles. Yet, it also stands as a rare case of life-saving emergency response and resilience in the face of devastating injury.