Overnight Salvage Operation Wraps Up After Truck Crash At Whittingham

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Golden Highway has re-opened after an overnight salvage operation to clear a truck crash at Whittingham.

A B-Double tanker loaded with almost 24,000 litres of ammonium solution left the road just after 2.00pm on Monday and crashed into a power pole, bringing down power lines.

Newcastle Fire Command says the truck stayed upright, but the trailer ended up on it's side.

Several fire crews and a Hazmat unit were called to the scene.

The driver escaped uninjured.

A recovery vehicle was called in from Port Kembla and work to decant the tanker and tow it away wrapped up just before 5.00am on Tuesday.

 

Six Teens Arrested Following Pursuit In The Hunter Valley

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have charged six teenagers following a pursuit through the Hunter Valley.

Just after 10.30pm on Saturday 22 June, Highway Patrol officers say they spotted a Volkswagon sedan earlier reported stolen on the New England Highway at Whittingham.

They initiated a pursuit when the car failed to stop, with the chase heading through Singleton and Muswellbrook before road spikes were successfully deployed at Aberdeen and a road block set up.

During the roadblock Police say the car rammed into two highway patrol vehicles.

A 14-year-old male driver and his 5 passengers - one aged 15 and the others aged 17 were arrested and charged and faced the children's court on Sunday.

EXCLUSIVE: Fire Crews Called To Coal Train Fire Near Singleton

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter Valley coal chain ground to a halt late on Thursday night after firefighters were called to a fire on a coal train.

Newcastle Fire Command says the train was travelling near Mitchell Line Road south of Whittingham at about 11.00pm when the 3rd engine blew out, catching fire and spraying diesel onto the train and track.

Firefighters from Singleton and the RFS managed to douse the flames with an extinguisher, taking about an hour to mop up the incident.

It's understood the line is back to normal operation.

A coal train travelling from the Mt Thorley Mine caught fire on Thursday night Picture: Flickr.com

Head-on Crash South of Singleton

BY LILLY HAINES

Five people including three children have been injured at a serious crash at Whittingham near Singleton this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene north of Range Road on the New England Highway with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter arriving just after midday.

The Westpac Helicopter is transporting a 6 year old boy in a serious condition to the John Hunter Hospital suffering multiple injuries sustained in the head on crash.

The female driver is reportedly in a critical condition.

Two other children who were in the car are being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The male driver and sole occupant of the 4WD has also been taken to the John Hunter with non-life threatening injuries.

At the scene an Isuzu ute was seen tipped on its side while a white sedan was crushed.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have established a crime scene as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Authorities are urging to drivers allow additional travel time and follow detour routes if heading through the area.

Heavy vehicles are advised to look at alternative routes.

Emergency services attending scene of crash at Whittingham on New England Highway. Picture: NBN News.

Police Investigate Fatal Crash At Whittingham

BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly man has died in a two car smash at Whittingham.

A Ford Falcon and a Mitsubishi Triton utility collided at the intersection of the New England Highway and Racecourse Lane at about 5.45pm on Thursday.

A 75-year-old Singleton man who was driving the Falcon died at the scene.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 42-year-old man, was treated at the scene before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition  - he's also undergone mandatory testing.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner as investigations into the crash continue.

Large Diesel Spill Following Truck Crash At Whittingham

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews have cleaned up hundreds of litres of diesel fuel after a truck crash at Whittingham near Singleton.

A semi-trailer was heading south along the new England Highway at about 2.00am on Wednesday when the driver lost control and collided with the centre wire barrier.

The force of the impact ruptured the fuel tanks on the truck.

Traffic on the New England Highway is now back to normal.

The driver wasn't injured in the incident.