BY IAN CROUCH
A critical incident investigation is underway after a motorcyclist died following a crash with a stolen vehicle at Fennel Bay overnight.
Police were patrolling Main Road at Toronto at about 10.00pm on Thursday when they saw a ute which had been reported stolen from Wangi that afternoon.The driver of the ute was directed to stop; however, allegedly ignored the direction. Although no pursuit was initiated, the vehicle was followed to Fennell Bay.
A short time later, police were alerted to a crash at the intersection with Main Road involving the same vehicle, where it hit a motorcyclist. The ute continued onto the footpath and through the front fence of a home before stopping when it became jammed between the fence and house. The driver then allegedly left the scene after stealing a second vehicle.
Police arrived and rendered first aid to the motorcyclist until paramedics arrived; however, the male motorcyclist was unable to be revived.
The alleged driver of the utility was arrested a short time later in the second stolen vehicle. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.
The intersection of Bay Road and Main Road is partially closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area for some hours.
A crime scene has been established and a critical incident team from Hunter Valley Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to an independent review.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
EARLIER:
Few details are known at this stage but it's believed up to 4 vehicles were involved in a crash on Macquarie Road near the intersection of Main Road at about 10.00pm pm Thursday.
It's understood one car has gone into a house.
Macquarie Road is closed in both directions, with the vehicles only removed at about 4.30am on Friday.
One emergency service worker has told 2NURFM news it was a very traumatic incident for all services who attended.
Police are expected to release a statement this morning.
