- Four people injured in crash in northern NSW
- One man is dead, a woman is critical and three others have been injured
- Do you know more? Email: tita.smith@mailonline.com
A teenager is fighting for his life after a car plowed into a group of cyclists on a country road, killing one and injuring three others.
A female rider in her 30s collided with four riders during a cycling race on Long Swamp Road, about 14km south-west of Armidale, in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, at 3.30pm on Saturday.
Her car then crashed into a tree, prompting rescuers to cut her loose before the vehicle caught fire.
One man, aged in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the female driver and a 14-year-old boy were taken to John Hunter Hospital in critical conditions.
Two others – aged 57 and 39 – were treated by paramedics before being taken to Armidale Hospital with various injuries.
The three cyclists admitted to hospital are now in stable conditions.
Armidale Scout Group revealed on Sunday that teenager, Richard May, was one of their members who had taken part in the 30km race.
Scout leader Bruce Meyers said Richard is currently undergoing surgery for numerous injuries after being flown to Newcastle.
Armidale teenager Richard May (pictured) has been taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition after a horror crash 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 safe and successful operation and a speedy recovery.’
Meanwhile, online tributes have begun to flow for the man who died 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 great 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, including paramedics, police, fire brigade and two rescue helicopters, responded to the horror crash.
Long Swamp Road, near the intersection with Edwards Road, will remain closed Sunday while crash investigators investigate the scene.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue, police are urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police took a photo at the scene of the accident on Saturday
Dozens of emergency workers were called to the accident