Fatal Smash Closes New England Highway at Aberdeen

BY IAN CROUCH

UPDATE 9am:

The New England Highway has now reopened in both directions after being closed around five kilometres north of Segenhoe Road.

Diversions for light and heavy vehicles travelling between Scone and Muswellbrook have been lifted, while a reduced speed limit of 60 kilometres is in place.

EARLIER:

One person has died and two others have been injured in a 3-car accident at Aberdeen.

Police say the accident happened on the New England Highway about 5 kilometres north of the town at about 11.45pm on Sunday.

A 25-year-old man died at the scene while a man and woman from the others vehicles were airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital.

The highway remains closed in both directions with diversions in place.

UPDATED: Another fatality on the Hunter's roads

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE:

Police now believe the man who tragically lost his life near Aberdeen this morning may have been hitch-hiking at the time.

Emergency services were called to the New England Highway 5km south of Aberdeen at about 4:40am where they found a man had sustained multiple injuries after being hit by a car.

Police say he looked to have been hitch-hiking between Aberdeen and Muswellbrook.

The 18-year-old female driver of the car which allegedly hit him was treated for shock, and underwent mandatory testing at Muswellbrook Hospital.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen the man before 4:30am today to contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

EARLIER:

There's been another tragic road fatality in the Hunter this morning, the third in just three days.

A male pedestrian has been hit by a car on the New England Highway about 5 kilometres south of Aberdeen.

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 4:40am - one southbound lane of the highway is closed and traffic is expected to be disrupted while the scene is examined this morning.

The female driver of the vehicle remained at the scene to provide assistance.

She was taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for mandatory testing.

It comes after a 17-year-old motorbike rider died in a crash at West Wallsend on Sunday, and a pedestrian struck and killed by a semi-trailer at Karuah on Monday morning.