South Australian driver fighting for life after accident near Grenfell

Initial investigations suggest the driver of the Mazda 3 may have fallen asleep at the wheel sometime between 2am and 3am on Thursday morning after purchasing the vehicle in Sydney.

It appears the man was travelling back to South Australia in his newly acquired vehicle before crossing to the incorrect side of the road, colliding with a small tree and then impacting heavily with a large tree.

Grenfell Police have reminded drivers of the danger of fatigue following the accident which left the young man in a critical condition.

“Fatigue can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated, drivers need to stop and rest,” Sgt Michael Madgwick of Grenfell Police said.

Ambulance from Cowra attended and the driver was subsequently taken by road to Cowra Airport before being airlifted to Sydney’s Liverpool Hospital in a serious condition.

NSW Ambulance Central West Duty Operations Manager Inspector Peter Rowlands said the man suffered a fractured right femur, multiple fractures to his right arm and suspected fractures to his pelvis.

He also suffered serious head and internal injuries.

“He was critical at the scene and when he left by helicopter for Liverpool Hospital,” Inspector Rowlands said.

“We transported him from the scene back to Cowra because at the time of the accident the wind where the accident happened was really strong and there was no where to land,” Inspector Rowlands said.

A doctor and the paramedic on the helicopter treated the man at Cowra Airport where he received a blood transfusion and was stabilised before being transported to Liverpool.

Police from Young station and SES were still at the scene at midday yesterday.

The road remained open during Thursday with warning signs in place to slow traffic to allow accident investigation to carry out investigations at the scene.

Anyone with information that could assist is asked to contact Grenfell Police.