A tragic accident in northern New South Wales resulted in one fatality this afternoon. Emergency services responded to the scene at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Wotton Way in Coolongolook, located approximately 240 kilometres north of Sydney.
The collision, believed to involve an SUV and a sedan, occurred just prior to 2:40 PM, leading both vehicles to catch fire. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, but sadly, a body was discovered inside the sedan, yet to be officially identified.
The driver of the SUV, a woman in her 50s, received on-site medical assistance from paramedics before being transported via air to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. As of this evening, she remains in serious condition.
Authorities have established a crime scene to facilitate an investigation, which includes the Crash Investigation Unit. Motorists are advised to steer clear of the area, as police are managing traffic on the southbound lanes of the M1, leading to significant delays that are expected to persist for several hours.
A report is set to be compiled for the coroner as investigations continue.