‘Absolute carnage’: Four hospitalised after six-car collision closes Parramatta Road at Leichhardt

By TOKS OGUNDARE

A man has been arrested and several people have been hospitalised after a six-car collision closed Parramatta Road in both directions for seven hours yesterday. 

Around 6:25 am yesterday, the driver of a silver Subaru Outback collided with five vehicles, including a Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Prado, Honda Civic, Mazda 6, and a Toyota Corolla.

NSW Police say the crash occurred after Traffic and Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop the driver of the Subaru who ran a red light.

The driver failed to stop, initiating a pursuit that was ended after 28 seconds due to safety concerns.

Inner West Police Area Command Superintendent Samuel Crisafulli said the officers were met with a scene of “absolute carnage” a few minutes later when the Subaru collided with five cars.

NSW Police say the 35-year-old driver was speeding towards oncoming traffic when the crash occurred.

Emergency services attended the scene near the intersection of Old Canterbury Road in Leichhardt to treat the occupants of the vehicles.

The Jeep driver, a 40-year-old man, was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he is undergoing scans. The Toyota Prado driver, also aged 40, was cut free from the car and taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition. 

The drivers of the Honda, Mazda, and Toyota – males aged 72, 34 and 32 respectively – were assessed at the scene.

A male passenger, aged 45, was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, where he is undergoing scans.

“It’s unbelievable that people walked out of that collision without more serious injuries,” Superintendent Crisafulli said.

The Subaru driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to St George Hospital where he remains under police guard. 

The 35-year-old has undergone mandatory testing, but police are yet to confirm whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Police say that he will face serious charges when he is released from the hospital. 

Police have established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the crash.