BREAKING! Car Fire Closes Southbound Lanes Of Nelson Bay Road At Williamtown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Diversions are in place on Nelson Bay Road at Williamtown where a car has burst into flames after crashing into a power pole.

RFS crews were called to the scene just south of Cabbage Tree Road at about 4.30am on Wednesday to find the car well alight and the power pole also on fire.

The force of the crash has split the power pole at the base and Ausgrid has also been alerted.

Crews say the driver of the car was not with the vehicle when they arrived.

Police are also at the scene.

 

The car fire has closed the southbound lanes of Nelson Bay Road. Picture: Williamtown/Salt Ash RFS

 

Melville Ford Bridge Upgrades

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Construction has begun on the new Melville Ford Bridge near Maitland.

The upgraded bridge will stand seven meters taller than the existing bridge, and will be built with concrete rather than timber.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says the 8.2 million dollar project will enhance access during flooding and will have no weight restrictions.

"Those who cross that bridge know that even a small flooding event will cause it to be closed for many days if not weeks, so this will make a great improvement." 

He also says Maitland residents will benefit from more upgrades in the future.

"It is important as Maitland grows that we keep on top of all these issues."

"It it is a rapidly growing place, but I'm committed to keeping on top of such things, and making sure that roads and traffic flow are the priority." 

Works are set to be completed by mid 2025.

Image credit: Maitland City Council

Fears For Young Girl Missing From Glendale Since July.

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are asking for help to find a teenage girl who hasn't been seen for a month.

13-year-old Lily Renyard was last seen at Glendale on Saturday July 27 and there are concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Lily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 152cm tall with a thin build, blue eyes and shoulder length hair dyed black with blue streaks.

She's known to frequent the Elermore Vale, Edgeworth, Gosford, Bathurst and Maitland areas and is known to use the rail network.

If you've seen Lily or know where she is, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing teen Lily Renyard

UPDATE! Car Into House At Sawyers Gully

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been taken to hospital after crashing his car into a house at Sawyers Gully early Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to Sawyers Gully Road just before 3.00am.

It's believed the Nissan X-trail was traveling west along Sawyers Gully Road near the intersection of Bathurst Street when the vehicle left the road and crashed through a fence before crashing into a room at the rear of the house.

The driver, a 41-year-old man, was trapped in the car for some time before being freed by members of the Cessnock Volunteer Rescue Squad.

He was treated at the scene by the critical care team attached to the Westpac Rescue helicopter before being taken by ambulance to the John Hunter Hospital with multiple injuries.

Police say the occupants of the home weren't injured; however their pet dog was struck by the vehicle, causing a broken leg.

Members of the VRA also installed structural supports to the damaged house which will remain in place until repairs can be carried out.

 

Emergency Services at the scene of the crash in Sawyers Gully. Picture Cessnock VRA

 

 

BREAKING! Charmhaven Shop Destroyed In Overnight Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

A shop at Charmhaven just south of Lake Macquarie has been destroyed by fire after a car crashed through the front of the premises early Thursday morning.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received several triple zero calls to a Tobacconist Shop on the Pacific Highway just before 2.30am, arriving to find the car and the shop up in flames with adjoining shops under threat.

Crews from fives stations and RFS teams extinguished the blaze in just over half an hour, which also caused damage to shops on either side.

It's believed the driver took off after the crash.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

 

A tobacconist shop and a car were destroyed in the fire. Photo: Jordan Wilson

Teenage girl missing from Port Stephens

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from Port Stephens.

Jasmine Anderson, aged 14, was last seen at a bus stop on Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay, about 11:30am Sunday (18 August 2024).

Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Jasmine is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of thin build and with brown hair and blue eyes.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle Interchange, Dora Creek and Nowra areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Jasmine Anderson

Two Men Arrested Over Alleged Hunter Valley Crime Spree

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police have arrested and charged two men over a wanton crime spree across the coalfields over the past two months.

Police allege a shop at Huntlee was broken into and various items stolen on June 24.

Three weeks later, a Retirement Village at North Rothbury was extensively damaged by graffiti and a number of fire extinguishers were set off.

Then on Wednesday August 7, various items were stolen from a shop at Huntlee.

Yesterday, (Tuesday 20 August, 2024), officers went to a home at North Rothbury and arrested two men aged 19 and 20.

They've been charged with theft and malicious damage offences.

The 19-year-old is facing Singleton Court today and the 20-year-old is facing the same court on September 19.