A motorcycle rider has been placed in a coma following a serious crash in Sydney’s western suburbs. The incident occurred around 10pm last night on Goondah Street in Villawood, where the 29-year-old lost control of his bike and collided with a tree, causing the motorcycle to ignite upon impact.
The flames rapidly engulfed the rider. Thankfully, friends who were nearby during the accident quickly intervened. One friend, Harry Rodriguez, remarked on their swift response, stating, “We got him out; he nearly walked off… his clothes were still on fire. I had to force him on the ground.” Rodriguez described how he had to strip the burning clothes off his friend and pour water on him in an effort to extinguish the flames.
Emergency services arrived promptly, with paramedics providing the necessary treatment at the scene. The injured rider was subsequently transported to Royal North Shore Hospital in critical condition, where he has since been placed in an induced coma for ongoing care.
Superintendent Adam Dewberry from NSW Fire and Rescue commended the quick actions taken by the rider’s friends, highlighting their critical role during the emergency. Preliminary investigations by law enforcement suggest that the motorcyclist may not have been wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with riding without protective gear.