The tragic incident occurred around noon on the Great Western Highway, 15 kilometers north of Lithgow, in Wallerawang.
“We can only believe what the police, the medical teams, both the ambulance drivers, VRA, SES, the urban and rural firefighters, the NSW transport staff and everyone who has been on the front lines witnessing something like this horrific twist of fate are facing. ” began Maree Statham, mayor of Lithgow City Council, in a Facebook post.
“Our mind is with all of you, we realize the carnage you have witnessed and the strength needed to remain focused and mentally strong, your life was replaced yesterday. “
Per the Sydney Morning Herald, Police believe the crash occurred when an Isuzu ute towing a motorcycle trailer hit a Toyota Hilux travelling in the opposite direction.
Then, a Hyundai SUV went off the road when the Hilux hit it.
A Kia and a Nissan were also involved in the crash, and the Kia hit the ute head-on.
The driver of Isuzu, 42, and the driver of Kia, 49, died shortly after the crash while still at the scene.
New South Wales Police Detective Superintendent Paul Glinn said the crash site was littered with suitcases, pillows and other travel items, suggesting the victims were on holiday.
A further 351 people lost their lives on New South Wales roads in 2023.
“To the families of the two men deceased our sincere sympathy is extended to the families and friends for the tragic loss of their loved ones,” Mayor Statham continued.
“To the remaining injured, including the beautiful children, our sincere concerns for your recovery, we have incredible specialists and medical staff in our hospitals that no doubt will fight the fight of their lives to do what they can to save these very badly injured patients.
“We are a network of local government and when a crisis arises and in times like this, we all know how valuable it is to be alive, let us all pray for all those involved in this tragedy,” the mayor’s message concluded.