Eight people, including at least three children, were trapped when a van rolled on the Hume Highway near Marulan, New South Wales, around noon on January 7, 2023. The incident involved the driver, identified as a man believed to be in his 50s, and seven passengers, who were inside the vehicle at the time. Eyewitness accounts indicate they were trapped for several minutes before being freed by passers-by who stopped to help.
The crash had significant repercussions on highway traffic, bringing southbound traffic to a standstill. Authorities deployed three NSW Ambulance helicopters to the scene. Paramedics treated one adult and three children who were reported to be seriously injured. They faced long wait times as emergency services worked to care for those affected and clear the road.
Victims of the crash included four individuals with severe injuries—a teenage girl, aged around 15, and a woman believed to be in her 30s, both suffering pelvic and leg injuries; as well as a teenage boy with multiple injuries and the driver, who incurred shoulder and chest injuries. All were transported to major hospitals including Westmead, Canberra, and Liverpool for treatment, though the exact details of their conditions remain unspecified.
Traffic management was heavily influenced by the crash, as authorities initially closed southbound lanes completely, causing massive delays. By mid-afternoon, only one lane was opened, but motorists faced caution signs advising them of reduced speed limits of 40km/h and potential continuing delays due to the heavy traffic flow.
Incident reports from the scene indicate significant interventions from local motorists, with estimates of up to 50 bystanders providing assistance and delivering first aid before formal emergency response teams arrived. A homeless man who was among the first to offer help told The Goulburn Post, "I saw the van tipped over, and I ran to help. Many others did the same. We just did what we could until the professionals got there." This community response underlines the importance of quick action from witnesses during emergencies.
A crime scene was established by police as part of the investigation process to determine the exact circumstances leading to the rollover. A police spokesperson mentioned, "The driver was treated for minor injuries and has been taken to hospital for mandatory testing." This testing is standard protocol following serious traffic incidents.
Paramedics indicated later reports confirmed eight injured individuals overall, including five children. Two adults were highlighted as critically injured, three children were listed as stable, and three more were confirmed to be in serious but stable condition at the time of the report.
Following the crash, there are still active investigations and inquiries for anyone who may have seen the incident or contains dashcam footage. Police have instructed individuals with any information to reach out to Crime Stoppers at their hotline number.
By the end of the day, police and motor safety officials continued to advise caution for motorists driving through the area affected by the accident. Authorities emphasized the need for diligence on the roads—especially during times of increased traffic due to both local commutes and holiday travel.