October 18, 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 women have died and a third has been seriously injured following a single-vehicle crash in Bellingen, northern New South Wales, on Thursday afternoon, October 16, 2025.

Emergency services were called to Hammond Street around 4:20 pm after a silver Subaru Forester left the road and crashed into two parked cars. Police said bystanders rushed to help three women inside the vehicle, performing CPR on two passengers until paramedics arrived.

A 78-year-old female passenger was declared deceased at the scene. An 89-year-old passenger was transported to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a critical condition but later died from her injuries on Friday, October 17. The 64-year-old female driver was taken to the same hospital in a serious but stable condition.

“Bystanders performed CPR on two women until paramedics arrived.” — NSW Police / 7NEWS

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025 (approximately 4:20 pm)
  • Location: Hammond Street, Bellingen, northern New South Wales

Vehicles Involved

  • Silver Subaru Forester SUV, carrying three female occupants
  • Two parked cars (unoccupied, damaged in the crash)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • 78-year-old female passenger, declared deceased at the scene.
    • 89-year-old female passenger, died in hospital on October 17 from critical injuries sustained in the crash.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • 64-year-old female driver, transported to Coffs Harbour Hospital in serious but stable condition.

Emergency Response

  • Bystanders immediately performed CPR on two passengers prior to the arrival of emergency services.
  • Paramedics and police responded quickly to Hammond Street, providing treatment and transport to Coffs Harbour Hospital.
  • Police established a crash scene and conducted initial investigations into the cause of the incident.

“A 78-year-old female passenger could not be revived and was declared dead at the scene. The 89-year-old passenger died in hospital the following day.” — NSW Police

Police Investigation
NSW Police are investigating:

  • The circumstances leading to the Subaru Forester leaving the road and colliding with two parked cars.
  • Possible contributing factors such as medical episode, speed, distraction, or mechanical fault.
  • Eyewitness accounts and dashcam or CCTV footage from Hammond Street between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm.

Community Impact
The tragedy has deeply affected the Bellingen community, known for its close-knit population and regional character. Locals have praised the quick response of bystanders who attempted to save the victims. The deaths of two elderly women have added to New South Wales’ growing road toll, prompting renewed reminders about road safety and vigilance on suburban streets.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers NSW: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestoppers.com.au](https://www.crimestoppers.com.au)
  • Witness Reporting: Contact NSW Police Mid North Coast District or visit the nearest station.