Emergency services across the Hunter were kept busy over the long weekend, responding to a series of serious incidents that claimed multiple lives and left several others in hospital.
Woman Dies in Fiery Crash at Buchanan
A woman has died after a vehicle burst into flames following a police pursuit at Buchanan, near Maitland.
Police say officers attempted to stop a car on Buchanan Road around 10.45am on Friday, when it briefly stopped before taking off and crashing into a telegraph pole, where it caught alight.
The driver — believed to be aged in her 30s — died at the scene.
A critical incident investigation is underway, led by Newcastle City Police District, with oversight from the Professional Standards Command and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Man Killed in Crash at Melville
A man has died following a two-vehicle crash at Melville, near Maitland, on Sunday afternoon. Emergency services were called to Maitland Vale Road just after 1.30pm, where a motorcycle and SUV collided.
The motorcyclist, believed to be in his 60s, died at the scene.
The driver of the SUV — a 56-year-old woman — was uninjured and taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.
Police from the Port Stephens–Hunter Command have established a crime scene, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Woman and Child Airlifted After Buggy Rollover
A woman in her 60s and a child were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital following a buggy rollover at Davis Creek on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 2pm, with both the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter responding.
The woman suffered serious arm injuries and was flown to hospital in a serious condition, while the child was also airlifted for treatment.
Four other adults were taken to hospital by road in stable conditions.
Man Injured After Horse Kick Near Maitland
Around 1.45pm on Saturday, a man in his 50s was seriously injured after being kicked by a horse near Maitland.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter’s critical care team for head injuries.
The man was stabilised before being transported by road to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.
