Sydney roofer miraculously survives after ute wrecked in horrific Northern Beaches crash

7NEWS

15-05-2025

Anyone who saw the unrecognisable wreck of the ute would never believe someone could survive such a horrible crash.
But miraculously, this Sydney tradesman did.
Mark Peebles, a 32-year-old roofer, was on his way to work on May 9 when his white Toyota Hilux slammed into a power pole on Mona Vale Rd, Terrey Hills on Sydney's Northern Beaches at 6.30am.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: High-speed ute crash snaps power pole in Sydney.
The force of the crash was so extreme it snapped a power pole at its base.
The ute's front end was crushed beyond recognition, the cabin folded in on itself like crumpled tin and high-voltage power lines hung dangerously above the wreck.
Peebles was trapped inside as his tools and roofing materials were stewn across the road.
After he was cut free, Peebles was airlifted to the Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.
But against all odds, he survived and it marked the the start of a long recovery journey for Peebles and his young family.
Memory like goldfish
Peebles suffered multiple fractures in both legs, a collapsed lung and spinal damage and has undergone five surgeries since the crash.
While he's been moved out of intensive care and has started speaking again, family friend Kim Isik told 7NEWS.com.au that conversations are fleeting.
'The conversation that you have with him is like a goldfish,' Isik said.
'It's just gone within 15 minutes to half an hour, and he doesn't remember anything all over again.'
Isik said Peebles had been feeling dizzy in the days leading up to the crash and may have blacked out behind the wheel.
Doctors expect the recovery might take six months to one year, before he can walk again.
Young family's struggle
The crash has turned life upside down for Peebles' wife Monika and their two young children — a one-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter.
Monika described the drive to the hospital that morning as 'the longest five minutes' of her life, not knowing if her husband was okay.
Now, she's juggling work, caring for their children, managing the emotional toll, all while supporting her critically injured husband in hospital.
Isik said Peebles' daughter has been struggling to understand why her dad is not coming home.
'He's a very hands-on, loving father … a dedicated family man,' Isik said.
'He's an extremely hard worker, originally from Queensland, he's a typical Queenslander — relaxed, easy-going, a happy-go-lucky kind of guy.'
To help ease the pressure, Isik has launched a GoFundMe to support the family.
She said the community has been generous, offering food and constantly asking how they can help.
Knowing the family has lost half their income, Isik wanted to ease some of the burden on Monika's shoulders, and she has been touched by the outpouring of support.
'Everyone has really come together — you see the best in people during such a traumatic time,' she said.