Driver Taken To Hospital After Truck Crash Near Murrurundi

 BY IAN CROUCH

A truck driver has been taken to hospital after a crash in the Upper Hunter overnight.

He was behind the wheel of a southbound B-Double on the New England Highway at Murulla south of Murrurundi just before midnight when he lost control and the truck jackknifed.

Newcastle Fire Command says he managed to free himself and was treated by paramedics for minor injuries before being taken to Tamworth Hospital for observation.

A Hazmat unit decanted fuel from the rig and a heavy tow truck has been brought in to remove the vehicle.

A contra flow is in operation while the crash scene is cleared.  

UPDATE! Concerns For Woman Missing From Stroud

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good News!

After a public appeal for information, Vicki was found safe and well at Booral at about 10.20am on Wednesday.

 Police have thanked the public and the media for their assistance.

 EARLIER:

Police are asking for help from the public to find a woman missing from Stroud.

62-year-old Vicki Davey was last seen leaving a business on Memorial Avenue at about 2.00pm on Tuesday and the alarm was raised when she could not be located or contacted.

Vicki's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall with a thin build and short blonde hair.

She was last seen wearing a light blue and white dress, grey cardigan and thongs.

Vicki is known to frequent the New Lambton area and may be hitchhiking.

Anyone with information is urged to call Port Stephens Police or Crime Stoppers.

Missing woman Vicki Davey

Backburning Continues On Large Bushfire Near Karuah

 BY IAN CROUCH

A bush fire near Karuah has now burnt through more than 940 hectares after it broke out late on Saturday afternoon.

Fire crews remain on high alert ahead of another day of hot and dry conditions, with northeasterly winds expected to pick up by the middle of the day.

The Rural Fire Service says crews have spent the night back burning along the Bucketts Way, which remains closed this morning.

Residents living at Limeburners Creek and Karuah are being advised to monitor conditions.

 

Crews continued backburning through the night Picture: Zayne Phillips 

 

Search For Missing Fisherman Off Fingal Bay Enters Third Day

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search will resume at 8.00 o'clock on Monday morning for a man swept into the sea while rock fishing at Fingal Bay at the weekend.

The man was with a three other people when they were swept of  rocks at about 9.00am on Saturday.

Two men and a woman were rescued and treated by paramedics.

However, a man in his 60's could not be found

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched a critical care team to a man in his 50's who suffered injuries  after being swept off rocks 

Singleton Couple Share In Massive Powerball Jackpot

 BY IAN CROUCH

A couple from Singleton have shared the largest ever jackpot in Australian history in Thursday night's $200 million Powerball draw.

They're sharing the money with a winner from Queensland, with each pocketing $100 million after winning the division one prize.

The Lott says the Singleton couple purchased a 50-game Quick Pick entry - which costs $67.40 - online.

They answered their phone call on the first ring while lying in bed.

The winning woman thanked The Lott representative, saying "It's a lot of money. A lot of money to fathom".

Workers Threatened With Sword During Hold-Up At Swansea

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are searching for a man who held up a business at Swansea overnight.

Police say the man entered the business on Belmont Street at about 10.30pm on Wednesday and threatened two male employees aged 17 and 21 with a sword while demanding money.

He fled the business with an amount of cash.

Police say the workers were not harmed during the incident.

The alleged offender is described as being about 30-years old with blue eyes and was wearing a grey hooded jumper and black pants.

Anyone who witnessed the man running off or who has information about the incident is urged to call Belmont Police Station of Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

UPDATE! Firefighters Battling Building Fire In High Street Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have gained the upper hand on a building fire at Maitland.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews from five stations and the Hazmat unit were called to a single level commercial complex in High Street just before 4.30am on Thursday.

The fire has been confined to the Mitchell's Physiotherapy business, while 4 cars have also been damaged.

They've managed to stop the fire spreading to the adjacent Jaycar business.

High Street, Abbot Street and one lane of the New England Highway have been closed while firefighting operations continue.

EARLIER: 

Fire crews have been called to a building fire in the main street of Maitland.

Crews from East Maitland and Mayfield West responded to multiple Triple Zero calls to the single level building in High Street just before 4.30am on Thursday to find the premises well alight.

It's understood the building is occupied by Mitchell Integrated Physiotherapy.

Several cars in a parking area are also on fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says further crews from Rutherford, Morpeth and Tarro have been dispatched to the incident along with Police and Ambulance.

It's expected High Street will be closed while firefighting operations continue.

Firefighters had to cut through a roll-a-door to reach the fire. Picture: Fire & Rescue NSW