The Cessnock District Rescue Squad was called to a three vehicle collision on John Renshaw Drive Buchanan at 9.10 am Friday 15th. Two vehicles, a 4wd and a hatchback were involved in a collision resulting in the 4wd coming to rest on its passenger side and the hatchback colliding with another 4wd.
Upon arrival of emergency personnel the elderly couple in the hatchback were both trapped and critically injured, with all other persons out of their vehicles. Rescue personnel used hydraulic spreaders and cutters to allow for extrication of the male driver of the hatchback who was then flown to the John Hunter Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter with possible spinal, head, chest and abdominal injuries. Unfortunately despite the best efforts of Paramedics the female passenger of the hatchback was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The occupants of the other two vehicles were assessed by Paramedics at the scene and found to have only apparent minor injuries. One female was transported to the John Hunter Hospital and one male transported to Maitland Hospital by Ambulance for further assessment.
Rescue personnel also used hydraulic spreaders to open the rear hatch of the elderly couple’s vehicle to extricate their Labrador dog that was then taken to a vetinarian for medical attention.
The accident occurred several hundred metres on the Kurri Kurri side of the George Booth Drive intersection on a section of John Renshaw Drive currently under roadwork zone restrictions. John Renshaw Drive was closed between Kurri Kurri and Buchanan throughout the incident with diversions through Richmondvale for east bound traffic and East Maitland for west bound traffic.
Shortly after 6pm Wednesday 13th the Cessnock District Rescue Squad was called to the Cessnock Correctional Centre to assist Correctional Officers with gaining entry to a section of the facility. Rescue personnel used cutting equipment to remove a section of metal allowing staff to gain entry.
All local businesses are reminded about the Cessnock District Rescue Squad Business Sponsorship scheme, which in return for your sponsorship your business receives quarterly advertising in The Advertiser, tax deductible receipts and displayable certificates. Pedens Hotel at Cessnock has generously offered $100 “Bar or Bistro” vouchers for the next ten business that become Business Sponsors. For more information about becoming a Business Sponsor contact the squad’s PR Officer Jason Sattler by phone (0458 039 588) or email (jsattler@ambulance.nsw.gov.au).
Cessnock District Rescue Squad
Public Relations Officer
Jason Sattler 0458 039 588