A motorcyclist has tragically lost his life following a collision on the New England Highway in New South Wales’ New England region, prompting a significant closure of the highway.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene at Bendemeer around 1:30 PM on Thursday, where they discovered that a school bus and a motorcycle traveling in opposite directions had collided. The incident occurred between Bendemeer Station Road and Jalna Road, near the township of Bendemeer, approximately 40 kilometers north of Tamworth.
Despite the prompt arrival of paramedics, the motorcycle rider, a man believed to be in his late teens, was pronounced dead at the scene. The bus driver was taken to Tamworth Hospital with suspected leg fractures, while a second driver on the bus received treatment for lacerations and shock. Fortunately, there were no passengers on board the bus at the time of the crash.
In response to the incident, the New England Highway has been closed in both directions between Caroline Street in Bendemeer and Moonbi Lookout Road. Trevor Farrugia from the Transport Management Centre advised motorists to avoid the area, highlighting that the duration of the closure is currently unknown.
A diversion has been established for vehicles up to and including 26 meters, directing traffic via Glen Innes and Warialda. Northbound travelers from Tamworth can take Manilla Road and Allan Cunningham Road to reach Warialda, then continue on the Gwydir Highway to Glen Innes and back to the New England Highway toward Armidale. Conversely, southbound traffic from Armidale should follow the New England Highway north to Glen Innes, then take the Gwydir Highway to Warialda before returning to Tamworth via Allan Cunningham Road and Manilla Road.
Police have set up a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. They urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant dash cam footage to contact Tamworth Police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
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