One dead after truck collides with disused bridge in Lithgow

Emergency crews were called to Inch Street in Lithgow around 8:55 a.m. on Thursday, after a cherry picker truck struck a disused rail overpass. The tragic accident in New South Wales’ central west has left one man dead after a truck collided with a bridge, causing it to collapse. The 38-year-old driver managed to escape the wreckage with minor injuries, but his passenger, a 34-year-old man, was trapped inside and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was treated by paramedics before being taken to Lithgow Hospital.

NSW Police Superintendent John Walke described the incident as a “dangerous scene” for first responders, saying it took time for crews to safely reach the trapped passenger due to the unstable structure. Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland confirmed both men were local workers employed by the organization.

Longland added that the road would remain closed while heavy machinery was being used to remove the damaged vehicle. Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said the incident had deeply shaken the entire rail workforce and the wider transport community. In a social media update, Lithgow City Council said there was no current estimate for when the road would reopen while the cause of the crash is under investigation.