NSW police seek fourth driver after fatal multi-vehicle crash
The Newell Highway, between Forbes and Parkes, was shut for more than 12 hours from Thursday afternoon after a crash involving three cars and a truck.
A 48-year-old man died at the scene, while a 31-year-old was flown to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition.
Police believe one of the vehicles involved in the collision failed to stop and was last seen travelling north along the Newell Highway.
The impact caused a ute and unladen cattle truck to burst into flames, with the blaze spreading to nearby grassland.
New South Wales Fire and Rescue extinguished the fires, with a 32-year-old female passenger of the ute suffering minor injuries.
Two people died on the same section of the Newell Highway in 2024.
Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said, while there was "no reason it should be any more dangerous" than any other section of the road, it was once again "home to another tragedy".
"It is another reminder that driving safely is all that matters.
"Getting somewhere on time isn't important compared to the safe arrival as you drive."
The Newell Highway reopened in both directions at 4am on Friday.
The Central West Police District and Crash Investigation Unit have established a crime scene and called for anyone with information or dash cam footage to come forward.
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