October 3, 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
A woman has died following a police pursuit that ended in a fiery single-vehicle crash in the Hunter region of New South Wales on Friday morning, October 3, 2025. Around 10:45 am, police attempted to stop a vehicle travelling on Buchanan Road in Buchanan. The woman, believed to be in her 30s, initially stopped briefly before driving off. Shortly afterward, her vehicle struck a telegraph pole and burst into flames.

The woman, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene. She has not yet been formally identified. A critical incident has been declared, and the investigation will be independently reviewed by the Professional Standards Command with oversight from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

“The investigation will be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.” — NSW Police

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Friday, October 3, 2025 (approximately 10:45 am)
  • Location: Buchanan Road, Buchanan, Hunter Region, New South Wales

Vehicles Involved

  • Single passenger vehicle (make/model not specified), driven by deceased woman

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • Female driver, believed to be in her 30s, died at the scene.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • No other persons injured.

Emergency Response

  • Police attempted to intercept the vehicle at 10:45 am along Buchanan Road.
  • Shortly afterward, the vehicle collided with a telegraph pole and caught fire.
  • Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the woman could not be saved.
  • A crime scene was established, and a critical incident was declared.

“A crime scene has been established and a critical incident declared.” — NSW Police

Police Investigation
NSW Police have launched a critical incident investigation to examine:

  • The circumstances surrounding the attempted traffic stop and subsequent pursuit.
  • The cause of the crash and factors leading to the vehicle striking the pole.
  • Police conduct during the incident, under oversight of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Community Impact
The fatal pursuit has shocked the Hunter region community, adding to concerns about police chases and high-speed pursuits. The crash, which ended in flames, was described as tragic and confronting for responding officers and emergency personnel.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from Buchanan Road around the time of the crash 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 or the Professional Standards Command directly.