Daily Archives: 10/11/2015

Police investigate fatal crash – Caroona, near Tamworth

A woman has died following a single-vehicle crash in the state’s north west yesterday.

About 5.30pm (Monday 9 November 2015), a Holden Rodeo towing a horse float was travelling east on Coonabarabran Road, Caroona, when it crossed to the incorrect side of the road and hit a tree.

Witnesses attempted to assist the driver, a 69-year-old woman but she died at the scene.

Officers attached to Oxley Local Area Command attended and a crime scene was established.

The vehicle and trailer have been towed for examination.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Three deceased in helicopter crash – Central Hunter LAC

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner after the bodies of three people were located in the wreck of a helicopter yesterday.

About 3pm on Saturday (7 November 2015), the Eurocopter took off from a location at Breeza, near Tamworth, heading to Sydney.

The aircraft was scheduled to arrive at the property in Terry Hills at 5.30pm the same day but failed to arrive at the destination.

The helicopter was being piloted by a 74-year-old Terry Hills man. Also in the aircraft were his 71-year-old wife and a 72-year-old Bayview man.

Yesterday morning (Monday 9 November 2015), the occupants were reported missing to police at Mona Vale.

An aerial search was commenced by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) shortly after.

About 7pm yesterday (Monday 9 November 2015), the wreckage and three bodies were located in the Wattagan Forest, within Central Hunter Local Area Command.

Police from Central Hunter LAC, Newcastle Police Rescue Unit, Forensic Services Group and an Inspector from the Police Airwing remain on the scene, assisting with the recovery.

Once the recovery is completed, the scene will be handed over to investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), who will undertake an investigation into the crash.

Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

Wagga Wagga Police plea for motorists to stay safe

Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Southern Region, have called for more vigilance on the roads, after over 70 people were issued infringement notices over the weekend.

From Thursday 5 November to Sunday 8 November 2015, THWP officers conducted road patrols Wagga, as leading up to, and as part of, Operation Drink Drive.

During the four days, 40 people were detected allegedly under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.

Local police conducted 3075 breath tests and 55 drug tests; with 72 infringement notices issued.

Fourteen of those infringement notices were for speeding offences.

Year-to-date statistics show that five people have died in crashes in the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, which is two more than at the same time last year.

Senior Sergeant Wayne McLachlan, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Southern Region Riverina Cluster, said the recent statistics were disappointing.

“The recent road statistics in the Wagga Wagga area show that road users are not taking the responsibility of holding a driver’s licence seriously, and are continually putting lives on the line while on the roads,” Senior Sergeant McLachlan said.

“The messages aren’t getting across to the community. To detect 40 people in only four days with alcohol or drugs in their system while on the roads is extremely concerning.

“We are doing everything we can to help prevent people dying on our roads, but police can only do so much.

“Motorists need to take responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to break the road rules, you will be caught,” he said.

The road toll in NSW to-date is 296, which is 29 more than at the same time last year.
In the lead-up to the festive season, police will continue to be out in force on the roads, with road safety operations planned through the holidays.

“I urge all motorists to think about how your family and friends would cope if you were killed or seriously injured in a collision,” Senior Sergeant McLachlan said.

“Don’t speed, don’t use alcohol or drugs and drive, don’t use mobile phones whilst driving and have rest breaks on long trips. Practice these easy rules and stay alive.”

 

Police investigate armed robbery – Wagga Wagga

Police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred in Wagga Wagga this morning.

About 4am (Monday 9 November 2015), two persons with their faces covered entered a service station on Bourke Street, Tolland. One was armed with a firearm and the other with a knife.

The two offenders threatened the attendant, stealing an amount of cash, cigarettes and drinks before leaving the scene.

It is unknown if they left in a vehicle or on foot.

The offenders have been described as wearing baseball caps, and hooded jumpers, which were pulled up to cover the lower part of their faces.

Police from Wagga Wagga Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.

The attendant was uninjured in the incident.