April 7, 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
Two people have died, and four others were injured, in a multi-vehicle crash on the M1 Motorway near Nabiac , approximately 30 kilometers south of Taree , New South Wales, on Monday, April 7, 2025 , at around 10:00 am . The collision involved a Nissan SUV , a Toyota Landcruiser towing a caravan , and a truck.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, where two occupants of the Nissan SUV were pronounced dead. Four others—a 42-year-old man, a 43-year-old woman, and two children (aged 8 and 9)—were hospitalized with injuries. A black Chihuahua named Armani , traveling in the Nissan, was uninjured and remains missing.

Details of the Crash

  • Crash Date: Monday, April 7, 2025 (approximately 10:00 am).
  • Location: Northbound lanes of the M1 Motorway near Nabiac, NSW.
  • Vehicles Involved:
    • A Nissan SUV.
    • A Toyota Landcruiser towing a caravan.
    • A truck (driver uninjured).

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities: Two occupants of the Nissan SUV (yet to be formally identified).
  • Injuries:
    • A 42-year-old man, 43-year-old woman, and two children (8 and 9 years old) were taken to **John Hunter Hospital**.
    • The truck driver was transported to **Manning Base Hospital** for mandatory testing but sustained no physical injuries.

Emergency Response
Paramedics and police arrived promptly to manage the scene. Firefighters extricated trapped occupants from the wreckage. The northbound lanes of the M1 Motorway were closed for several hours but reopened by Monday evening .

A crime scene remains active as authorities document evidence.

Community Impact
The crash has caused significant disruption to traffic on the M1 Motorway , a critical transport route in the region. Local residents have expressed concern over the frequency of serious collisions on this stretch of road, particularly involving caravans and trucks.

A black Chihuahua named Armani , traveling in the Nissan SUV, was uninjured but remains missing. Police have requested public assistance to locate the dog.

Police Investigation
The NSW Police are investigating the crash, focusing on:

  • The sequence of events leading to the collision, including vehicle speeds and road rules adherence.
  • Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the crash.
  • Potential factors such as distraction, fatigue, or mechanical failure.

Appeal for Information
Authorities urge anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, or eyewitness accounts from the M1 Motorway near Nabiac around 10:00 am on April 7 to contact police.

Additionally, the public is asked to assist in locating Armani , a black Chihuahua believed to be in the area.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:

Road Safety Context
Multi-vehicle collisions on highways like the M1 Motorway often involve complex dynamics, such as sudden braking, lane changes, or towing vehicles (e.g., caravans). Authorities emphasize the importance of:

  • Maintaining safe distances, especially in high-speed traffic.
  • Adjusting driving behavior for conditions (e.g., reduced speed when towing).