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Incident Overview
Two men, aged 19 and 62, were seriously injured and airlifted to hospital after their car crashed into a tree and caught fire near Bathurst, New South Wales. The fiery wreck set surrounding bushland alight, requiring intervention from the Rural Fire Service. NSW Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.
Location and Time
The crash occurred on Ophir Road at Rock Forest, near Bathurst, in New South Wales. The incident took place at approximately midday on Sunday, February 4, 2025.
Vehicles Involved
The crash involved a single vehicle, which was destroyed in the collision and subsequent fire. No further details about the make or model of the vehicle have been released.
Crash Description
The car, carrying two occupants, veered off the road and collided with a tree on Ophir Road. Upon impact, the vehicle caught fire, igniting nearby bushland. A local resident from a neighboring property heroically dragged the two men from the burning wreckage and provided first aid before emergency services arrived.
Injuries/Fatalities
Both occupants of the vehicle suffered serious burns. The 19-year-old man was transported to Bathurst Airport and then airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital for further treatment. The 62-year-old man was airlifted directly from the crash site to Royal North Shore Hospital. Both men remain in serious condition as of the latest update.
Emergency Response
A local resident played a critical role in rescuing the two men from the burning vehicle and administering first aid at a nearby home. NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived shortly after and treated the victims at the scene before they were airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital. Members of the Rural Fire Service extinguished the scrub fire caused by the crash, while police managed traffic and conducted initial investigations. Ophir Road was temporarily closed but has since reopened.
Investigation
NSW Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the crash. Investigators will examine the cause of the collision, including potential factors such as driver error, speed, road conditions, or mechanical failure. Authorities are appealing to the public for information and urging anyone with relevant details to contact Crime Stoppers.
Witnesses/Appeals
NSW Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to drivers or pedestrians who were in the area of Ophir Road around midday on Sunday, February 4, 2025. Information can be reported to Crime Stoppers.
Community Impact
The fiery crash and its aftermath have had a significant impact on the local community in Rock Forest and the broader Bathurst region. Residents have expressed concern over the dangers posed by the stretch of Ophir Road where the crash occurred. The heroic actions of the local resident who rescued the victims have been widely praised, highlighting the importance of community vigilance and quick response in emergencies.
Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors could include excessive speed, driver distraction, poor road conditions, or mechanical issues with the vehicle. Weather conditions and visibility along Ophir Road at the time of the crash may also be considered as part of the inquiry.