Double road-rage death after two men hit by oncoming truck
The men were fatally struck on a stretch of highway near Woodburn. Photo: ABC
Two men have been killed after they stopped their vehicles on a highway to fight and were hit by a passing truck on the far north coast in NSW.
Emergency services were called to the accident on the Pacific Highway, south of Woodburn about 8.10pm on Monday.
NSW Police said the drivers of an SUV and a semi-trailer that was carrying logs, were both travelling south along the Pacific Highway.
The two vehicles were involved in a minor altercation just before reaching Woodburn, near Ballina.
They kept driving along the highway for about five kilometres before stopping their vehicles in the centre of the highway and getting out.
Witnesses have told police the men were fighting in the northbound lane when they were suddenly struck by a B-double.
Both men died at the scene of critical injuries.
“We believe they have been involved in a minor road rage incident,” Richmond Police Chief Inspector Bill McKenna said.
The driver of the truck, a 35-year-old man from Albury, was taken to Ballina Hospital where he has undergone mandatory blood and urine testing.
“He sees the stationary vehicles there with headlights on, but by the time he sees both persons on the road he is unable to stop his vehicle in time.
“He has collided with both persons and they have received fatal injuries.”
“Obviously he (the driver) is in shock.”
Police are still working to formally identify the two men killed.
Inspector McKenna said psychological support has been arranged for police and emergency services that attended the scene.
“The scene that confronted police and emergency services last night would be best described as horrific.”
Inspector McKenna said drivers involved in road altercations should stop safely and call the authorities.
“If you are concerned about the manner of driving of another vehicle, if you think another vehicle is tail-gating you, my advice is to pull over to the side of the road, contact police,” he said.
“It is not worth losing your life over, it is not worth continuing down the highway adding to that level of stress – just pull over and let that vehicle pass.”
