A man has been charged after a motorcycle rider suffered critical injuries following a crash in the state's south, which is being investigated as a critical incident.
About 7:30pm on Tuesday 10 December 2024, an officer attached to Lake Illawarra Highway Patrol Command was conducting stationary speed enforcement duties on Five Islands Road, Port Kembla, when a motorcycle was allegedly detected travelling 101km/h in an 80km/h zone.
The officer attempted to stop the motorcycle; however, was not able to catch up to the rider due to heavy traffic conditions.
The rider – a 26-year-old man – allegedly continued towards the intersection of King and Cowper Street, Warrawong where it collided with a vehicle.
The rider was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to St George Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the car – a 61-year-old man – was treated at the scene for a broken ankle, before being taken to Wollongong Hospital for treatment and mandatory testing.
Following inquiries, the 26-year-old man was charged with six offences,
- Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm more than 45km/h over limit
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Licence expired within the last two years
- Use unregistered registerable Class A motor vehicle on road
- Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed, and
- Possess prohibited drug
He was issued with a Future Court Attendance Notice to attend Wollongong Local Court on Thursday 13 March 2025.
A critical incident team is continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident is also subject to an independent review.
