A devastating three-vehicle collision on the Kings Highway has left three people dead and several others seriously injured, prompting a major emergency response and the closure of the busy roadway on Monday evening.
Fatal Crash Near Monga
The crash occurred at about 5 p.m. on Monday, March 9, in the rural locality of Monga, west of Clyde Mountain. According to NSW Police Force, two Hyundai hatchbacks collided head-on along the stretch of highway that connects Canberra and Batemans Bay.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of a serious crash. When first responders arrived, they discovered catastrophic damage to both vehicles.
Police confirmed that the driver of one of the hatchbacks and two passengers travelling in that vehicle died at the scene. Authorities said the victims have not yet been formally identified as investigators work to notify next of kin.
Multiple People Injured
Another passenger in the same vehicle survived the crash but suffered life-threatening injuries. Paramedics treated the individual at the scene before arranging for an emergency airlift to hospital, where the patient remains in critical condition.
The driver and a passenger travelling in the second Hyundai hatchback were also seriously injured in the collision. Both were treated by paramedics at the crash site before being transported by ambulance to hospital for further medical care.
Emergency crews, including paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, worked for hours at the crash site to assist victims and secure the scene.
Investigation Underway
Police have established a crime scene at the location of the collision as investigators attempt to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
Authorities from the NSW Police Force said crash investigators will examine vehicle damage, road conditions, and witness accounts to piece together what happened in the moments before the vehicles collided.
“At this stage, investigations have commenced,” a police spokesperson said, adding that the identities of the deceased will be released once formal identification procedures are completed.
Highway Closure and Major Traffic Disruptions
The fatal crash forced the closure of the Kings Highway in both directions Monday evening, causing significant travel disruptions across the region.
As of around 8 p.m., the highway remained shut between Tudor Valley Road and Clyde Mountain Road while emergency crews and investigators continued their work at the scene.
Motorists travelling through the area were urged to avoid the highway and expect lengthy delays.
Authorities implemented a diversion route for light vehicles, though officials warned it could add more than two hours to travel time.
Northbound drivers are being redirected via the Kings Highway, then along Nerriga Road, Turpentine Road, and finally onto the Princes Highway.
Southbound motorists are being diverted in the opposite direction via the Princes Highway, before continuing along Turpentine Road and Nerriga Road to reconnect with the Kings Highway.
Appeal for Witnesses
Investigators are now appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the crash or captured dashcam footage in the area around the time of the collision.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers NSW by calling 1800 333 000.
Police say any details, no matter how small, could help investigators understand how the tragic crash unfolded.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers on regional highways and the devastating consequences that serious road collisions can bring to families and communities. Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation continues.
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