January 18, 2026

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 and five other people have been injured following a two-vehicle crash in Salamander Bay in the Hunter Region. Police say a Toyota RAV4 and a Subaru Forester collided on Nelson Bay Road early on Saturday evening. The driver of the Toyota was declared deceased at the scene, while all other occupants from both vehicles were taken to hospital. Investigations are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026 (around 7:25pm)
  • Location: Nelson Bay Road, Salamander Bay, NSW

Vehicles Involved

  • Toyota RAV4 — driven by a 77-year-old woman
  • Subaru Forester — carrying two occupants

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • 77-year-old woman — Toyota RAV4 driver; died at the scene.
  • Other Injuries:
    • 78-year-old man — Toyota passenger; treated at the scene and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
    • 79-year-old man — Toyota passenger; taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
    • 76-year-old woman — Toyota passenger; taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
    • 66-year-old man — Subaru driver; taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
    • 60-year-old woman — Subaru passenger; taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Emergency Response

  • NSW Police and NSW Ambulance attended the scene shortly after the collision.
  • Paramedics treated multiple patients at the scene before transporting them to John Hunter Hospital.
  • A crime scene was established and forensically examined by Crash Investigation Unit officers.

Police Investigation
Police from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

  • The scene was examined by specialist Crash Investigation Unit officers.
  • A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Community Impact
The fatal crash caused disruption along Nelson Bay Road on Saturday evening and has impacted the Salamander Bay community, with multiple elderly occupants requiring hospital treatment.

Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward.

  • Crime Stoppers NSW: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.