Overview of the incident
An elderly woman has died after being hit by a utility vehicle at a service station in New South Wales’ south-west. The incident occurred on Cowabbie Street in the town of Coolamon, located about 507 kilometres south-west of Sydney. Emergency services were dispatched after reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a ute.
What happened
Paramedics arrived and provided medical care to the 83-year-old woman at the scene. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on site. The driver of the ute, an 84-year-old man, was treated for shock and subsequently taken to hospital for mandatory testing in accordance with standard procedural requirements following a crash.
Initial investigation and process
Police have commenced a formal investigation into the incident, with assistance from the Crash Investigation Unit. Investigators will examine factors such as vehicle speed, the sequence of events leading up to the crash, road and lighting conditions, and any contributing factors at the service station. A report will be prepared for the coroner as part of the ongoing process.
What comes next
Awaiting the outcome of any forensic tests and the coroner’s direction, authorities will continue gathering evidence, including CCTV footage if available, eyewitness accounts, and vehicle data. Community members in Coolamon are reminded to contact local police if they observed the incident or have information that could assist the investigation.
Public safety and reflections
Service stations are common locations for pedestrians and motorists to interact, sometimes with complex traffic flows and parked vehicles. This tragedy underscores the importance of road and pedestrian safety, as well as the need for drivers to remain vigilant in all environments. Police reiterate the importance of reporting details that could aid the investigation while respecting the privacy of those affected.
Additional notes
Details such as the exact time of the crash, the status of any other injuries, and further information about the vehicle or the circumstances may be released as the investigation progresses. The NSW Police and healthcare providers collaborate closely during such incidents to ensure accurate reporting and appropriate care for those involved.
