- Four people injured in crash in northern New South Wales
- A man has died, a woman is in serious condition and three others have been injured.
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A teenager is fighting for his life after a car hit a group of cyclists on a rural road, leaving one dead and three injured.
A female driver, aged in her 30s, collided with four cyclists during a cycle race on Long Swamp Road, about 14 kilometers south-west of Armidale in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, at 3.30pm on Saturday.
Her car then crashed into a tree and rescuers freed her before the vehicle burst into flames.
A man, aged in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the female driver and a 14-year-old boy were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
Two others, aged 57 and 39, were treated by paramedics before being rushed to Armidale Hospital with various injuries.
The three hospitalized cyclists are now in stable condition.
The Armidale Scout Group revealed on Sunday that the teenager, Richard May, was one of its members who had been taking part in the 30km run.
Scout leader Bruce Meyers said Richard is currently undergoing surgery for numerous injuries after being flown to Newcastle.
Armidale teenager Richard May (pictured) was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition after a horror accident in Armidale.
“2nd Armidale Scout Group sends our thoughts and prayers to Richard May and his family,” Mr Myers said.
“We are thinking of the May family at this time and wish Richard a successful, safe surgery and a speedy recovery.”
Meanwhile, tributes have begun to flow online for the man who lost his life in the crash.
A member of the local cycling community described the man as a “dear friend, a fellow competitor for many years and a mentor to many” who will be “sadly missed.”
“A significant loss for such a close-knit community and family of small-town cyclists,” he said.
‘My heart goes out to everyone involved in today’s accident and the families of those involved.
Dozens of emergency services vehicles, including paramedics, police, firefighters and two rescue helicopters, responded to the horror crash.
Long Swamp Road, near the Edwards Road intersection, remains closed Sunday as accident investigation officers examine the scene.
A report will be prepared for the coroner’s information.
While investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue, police are urging any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police appear at the scene of the accident on Saturday.
Dozens of emergency services personnel were called to the accident