A motorist has captured the terrifying moments when a truck that was allegedly involved in a police pursuit on the wrong side of the Princes Highway crashed into a ute, leaving a woman with life-threatening injuries.
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In the video, a police car with lights on can be seen following a truck that was travelling in the wrong direction in the southbound lanes on the Princes Highway at Croom about 10.30am.
Another police vehicle approached the truck, swerved and turned around and began following.
Several cars took evasive action before the truck and ute collided.
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A police statement said officers tried to stop a truck travelling in the wrong direction but the truck allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit began.
A short time later, the truck crashed head-on into a dual cab ute.
A female passenger in the ute, aged in her 50s, was thrown from the car and hit by another vehicle.
She was airlifted to St George Hospital in a critical condition.
"She had quite significant lacerations to her head... It looks like she might have a fractured pelvis as well," Inspector Troy Pan said.
Inspector Pan described the scene as "very chaotic", adding that the inclement weather did not help.
Three other people sustained minor injuries.
The truck driver, a man aged in his 40s, was not injured.
The family of the driver believe he may have had a medical episode.
He was arrested at the scene and taken to Shellharbour Hospital for mandatory testing.
A critical investigation team is looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Princes Highway's southbound lanes were closed for over three hours as a result of the crash, with traffic directed via Albion Park and Jamberoo.
The road reopened shortly before 3pm.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
