A serious incident involving two Australian Defence Force (ADF) trucks occurred in Northern New South Wales, injuring several defence personnel who were responding to the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The collision took place on Tregeagle Road, roughly 9 kilometres southwest of Lismore, just after 5pm, while the vehicles were transporting 36 individuals.
Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene, where paramedics provided treatment to those injured. The ADF confirmed that the trucks were assisting local communities affected by the cyclone when the accident happened.
In a statement, the ADF expressed concern for the wellbeing of its members and their families, underscoring its commitment to support those involved in the incident. They indicated that due to the evolving nature of the situation, additional information would not be available immediately, but further updates would be issued as circumstances developed.
In a twist of fate, Nick Moir, the chief photographer for the Sydney Morning Herald, was one of the first on the scene. Describing the moment, he shared his shock at the sight before him, noting that he initially hesitated but then, leveraging his experience as a member of the Rural Fire Service (RFS), he went in to offer assistance.
This unfortunate event sheds light on the risks faced by Defence personnel as they work to aid communities during natural disasters.