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Incident Overview
A tragic single-vehicle crash occurred on Cargo Road at Lake Canobolas, approximately 8 kilometers west of Orange, NSW, resulting in the death of a 42-year-old female passenger and leaving the male driver critically injured. NSW Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Location and Time
The crash took place on Cargo Road at Lake Canobolas, about 8 kilometers west of Orange, NSW. The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2025 .
Vehicles Involved
The crash involved a single vehicle, which left the road and collided with a tree. No further details about the make or model of the vehicle have been released.
Crash Description
The vehicle, driven by a 30-year-old man, left the roadway on Cargo Road and crashed into an embankment before colliding with a tree. The impact was severe enough to trap the driver inside the vehicle until emergency services could free him. The 42-year-old female passenger died at the scene, while the driver was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in critical but stable condition.
Injuries/Fatalities
The 42-year-old female passenger died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified. The 30-year-old male driver sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Westmead Hospital for emergency treatment. He remains in critical but stable condition as of the latest update.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics and firefighters, responded to the scene shortly after 6:00 pm. The male driver was trapped in the vehicle and required extrication by emergency personnel. Once freed, he was airlifted to Westmead Hospital for further medical care. Police officers secured the area and began their investigation into the crash.
Investigation
NSW Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. A report will be prepared for the coroner to determine the exact cause of the collision. Investigators will examine potential factors such as speed, driver error, road conditions, or mechanical issues. Authorities are appealing to the public for any witnesses or dashcam footage that may assist in determining the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Witnesses/Appeals
NSW Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to drivers or pedestrians who were traveling on Cargo Road near Lake Canobolas around 6:00 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2025 . Dashcam or CCTV footage from nearby properties may also provide valuable evidence and can be submitted to investigators.
Community Impact
The tragic loss of life and the critical injuries sustained by the driver have deeply affected the Orange community and surrounding areas. Residents have expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased, while the incident has reignited discussions about road safety on rural roads like Cargo Road. Community members are calling for improved signage, better lighting, and increased awareness of safe driving practices in the region.
Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors could include excessive speed, driver distraction, fatigue, or environmental conditions such as road surface or weather. The condition of the vehicle and whether seatbelts were used may also be considered as part of the inquiry.