Tragic incident at a New South Wales service station
An elderly woman has died after being struck by a ute at a service station in the western New South Wales town of Coolamon. The incident occurred on Cowabbie Street, about 507 kilometres southwest of Sydney, prompting a swift emergency response and a formal investigation.
Who was involved and what happened
Emergency services were called to the scene following reports that a woman had been hit by a ute. Paramedics arrived and provided treatment to the 83-year-old woman at the site, but she succumbed to her injuries and died there. The driver, an 84-year-old man, was treated for shock at the scene and then transported to hospital for mandatory testing as part of standard procedures in such crashes.
Police investigation and next steps
Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with support from the Crash Investigation Unit. A report will be prepared for the coroner in accordance with NSW law. Investigators will examine factors such as vehicle speed, the position of the ute, traffic conditions at the time, any potential contributing factors, and whether safety measures at the service station were being adhered to. The investigation aims to determine how the collision occurred and to identify any measures that could prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Community impact and ongoing vigilance
Incidents like this underscore the ongoing importance of road safety and the safe operation of vehicles in all public spaces, including service areas that television footage or eyewitness accounts may depict as routine. Local residents may experience a range of emotions following the death, and authorities typically provide information on support services to families and the broader community. As the investigation progresses, authorities will release further updates as appropriate.
What happens next
With the coroner’s involvement, the case will undergo a formal review to determine the cause of death and any contributing factors uncovered during the police and crash investigation. The findings may influence future safety recommendations for rural service stations and the operation of light vehicles in such settings. Any changes recommended by investigators would be directed at reducing the risk of similar incidents and protecting vulnerable road users.
Keeping up with developments
For continuing coverage of road crashes, traffic safety updates, and local NSW news, stay tuned to local outlets and the official police portal. Updates will be issued as new information becomes available and the coroner’s process unfolds.
