Teenage Truck Driver Trapped in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Hawkesbury River Bridge, Sydney – May 8, 2025

Incident Overview
A multi-vehicle crash involving a truck and at least two other vehicles has caused significant traffic chaos on the Hawkesbury River Bridge , part of the Pacific Motorway (M1) at Mooney Mooney , on Sydney’s Central Coast. The crash occurred at approximately 7:15 am on Thursday, May 8, 2025 .

One of the vehicles caught fire following the collision, and the teenage male truck driver became trapped for over 90 minutes . He sustained multiple lower leg injuries and is being airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment.

The incident has resulted in the closure of all southbound lanes heading into Sydney and one of the three northbound lanes , causing traffic to back up for approximately 5 km , all the way to Mount White . Emergency services are working to clear the wreckage, with diversions in place for motorists.

Location and Time

• Crash Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 (approximately 7:15 am).
• Location: Hawkesbury River Bridge, Pacific Motorway (M1), Mooney Mooney, Sydney’s Central Coast.

Vehicles Involved

• A truck driven by a teenage male, which collided with two other vehicles.
• At least one vehicle caught fire following the crash.

Injuries

• Truck Driver:
  • The teenage male driver suffered multiple lower leg injuries.
  • He was trapped for over 90 minutes and is being airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital.

Emergency Response

• Emergency services, including firefighters, paramedics, and police, attended the scene promptly after the crash was reported.
• Rescuers worked for over 90 minutes to free the trapped teenage truck driver from his vehicle.
• A helicopter, tow trucks, and Transport for NSW personnel are assisting with clearing the wreckage and managing traffic.

“The male truck driver in his late teens was trapped for more than an hour-and-a-half.”
— NSW Ambulance statement

Traffic Impact
The crash has caused significant disruptions to traffic on the Pacific Motorway (M1) :

• All southbound lanes heading into Sydney have been closed.
• One of the three northbound lanes is also closed.
• Traffic is backed up for approximately 5 km, all the way to Mount White.
• Motorists are being diverted through the exit at the **Mount White interchange**, though heavy vehicles are being parked as the diversion is suitable for light vehicles only.

“Motorists are urged to avoid the area and prepare for significant delays.”
— Live Traffic NSW update

Police Investigation
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, focusing on:

• The sequence of events leading to the collision between the truck and the two vehicles.
• Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the incident.
• Potential factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure contributing to the crash.

Further details regarding the cause of the fire and the identities of those involved are yet to be released.

Community Impact
This incident has caused major disruptions for commuters traveling on the Pacific Motorway , one of Sydney’s busiest routes. The lengthy rescue operation and road closures highlight the dangers of multi-vehicle crashes on major highways, particularly when large vehicles like trucks are involved.