Three Fatalities, Four Injured in Head-On Collision on Kings Highway

Fatal Kings Highway Collision Claims Three Lives, Injures Four

A head-on collision on the Kings Highway in Monga, southern New South Wales, on Monday evening resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to four others. The incident, involving two vehicles, led to a 12-hour closure of the major roadway as emergency services responded and investigators commenced their inquiry.

"Three occupants of one of the vehicles, identified as traveling eastbound, died at the scene, bringing the total number of fatalities on NSW roads for the year to 68."

Incident Overview

The collision occurred just after 5 PM on Monday, approximately 42 kilometers north-west of Batemans Bay and southeast of Queanbeyan. Two vehicles, identified as Hyundai hatchbacks, were involved. Early investigations suggest that one vehicle crossed into the incorrect side of the road, colliding with an oncoming vehicle.

Casualties

Three occupants of one of the vehicles, identified as traveling eastbound, died at the scene. These individuals included a 38-year-old female driver, a 19-year-old female passenger, and an unidentified male passenger. Their formal identification is pending.

A fourth passenger from the same vehicle, a 15-year-old female, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Canberra Hospital, where she underwent surgery on Tuesday.

From the second vehicle, reported to be traveling westbound, three individuals sustained injuries:

• The driver, identified as a male, sustained serious injuries. Sources reported his age as 39 by one account and 31 by another. He was flown to Westmead Hospital and underwent surgery on Tuesday.
• A seven-year-old child was transported to The Children's Hospital at Westmead in stable condition.
• A three-year-old child was taken to Canberra Hospital for medical assessment as a precautionary measure.

All individuals involved in the crash are reported to be from the ACT and Queanbeyan regions.

Emergency Response and Road Closure

Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and rescue personnel, responded to the crash site. The Kings Highway was closed in both directions following the incident, specifically east of Braidwood near Tudor Valley Road and at Clyde Mountain Road. The road remained closed for approximately 12 hours, reopening just after 5 AM on Tuesday.

Investigation

Officers from the Monaro Police District, alongside specialists from the Southern Regional Crash Investigation Unit, have established a crime scene and are leading the investigation into the circumstances of the collision.

Authorities have appealed for anyone with dash-cam footage of the incident or the vehicles involved to come forward. Specifically, investigators are seeking footage of a 2023 model white Hyundai Ioniq, believed to be traveling west, and a silver Hyundai i20, believed to be traveling east. Members of the public with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Broader Road Safety Context

The collision occurred at the conclusion of a long weekend in the ACT, which is connected to the coast via the Kings Highway. This incident brings the total number of fatalities on NSW roads for the year to 68, an increase compared to 46 during the same period in the previous year.