More than 35 people have been injured in a road incident involving an Australian Defence Force vehicle at Lismore, in northern New South Wales.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 5pm with inital reports that 22 people had been injured. This was increased to 36 people shortly after 6pm.
Nineteen ambulances were dispatched to Tregeagle Road to respond to the incident.
Patients have been transported to both Lismore and Tweed hospitals.
The ADF was deployed to Lismore to help the community prepare for the impacts of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred and flooding due to heavy rainfall.
In a statement, NSW police said two ADF trucks collided around 9km south west of Lismore.
“NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and are assisting a number of people at the scene,” the statement said.
“Multiple emergency services are also at the scene, including officers from Richmond Police District and specialist rescue units.
“Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.”
Photographs taken by a photographer from the Sydney Morning Herald show a large troop transport vehicle had rolled onto its side.
Tregeagle Road has been closed and police have told people to avoid the area.
In a statement, NSW premier Chris Minns said he was “very concerned to hear reports of an accident involving Australian Defence Force personnel tonight”.
“They came to the Northern Rivers to help keep this community safe,” Minns said.
“NSW emergency services are currently responding on the scene and we will provide all support necessary.”
More to follow …
