Two people have died and a further 10 were injured after an horrific crash near roadworks north of Dubbo on Tuesday.
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Seven vehicles, including two trucks, were involved in the crash, which shut the Newell Highway in both directions for several hours.
Police, fire and ambulance crews, as well as members of the Dubbo Rescue Squad, were called to the scene of the accident just after 12.30pm, while helicopters were also tasked to the scene to transport some of the injured passengers.
A NSW Police spokesperson told Fairfax Media 12 people in total were involved in the crash. In one car was a man, 20, a woman, 24, and a two-year-old child. All were listed as being stable and have been taken to Dubbo Base Hospital.
A 26-year-old person in another car had suffered pelvic injuries and was also taken for treatment, while a 52-year-old suffered multiple injuries.
A truck driver was flown to hospital with a fractured leg and other injuries.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are set to be ongoing, with officers flown in to try and determine the circumstances, however it is believed one truck and five cars were stopped at roadworks when they were hit from behind by the second prime mover.
Orana Mid Western Police District commander Superintendent Peter McKenna confirmed the fatalities, but couldn’t reveal any further details.
The crash continues a horror school holiday period on NSW roads, and Supt McKenna said it was another reminder of what can unfortunately happen.
“It’s another tragic day on our roads,” he said.
“I can’t say what was involved in the cause of this accident at this time, as it is too early to say.
“But we continue to reaffirm the same message that we always do, and that is for people to drive to conditions, rest when they need to rest, don’t use drugs or alcohol when you drive, and make sure fatigue management is planned into your trips
NSW Ambulance paramedic Chris Wilson said an 18-year-old man has been released from a car, and another patient had to be cut from a truck.
Both were transported to hospital by helicopter.
"A number of patients have been transported in a stable condition which is very fortunate, considering the nature of the incident," Mr Wilson said.