A COOLAMON man is in a critical condition after being trapped in his truck for close to two hours after it hit a tree near the town yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Pantec truck was southbound on Mary Gilmore Way when it left the road about 20 kilometres from Coolamon at 7.40am.
The driver, Gary Bradley, 46, remained in intensive care at Canberra Hospital last night after he sustained serious injuries in the crash.
It is understood he was on his usual milk run when the accident occurred, the impact resulting in empty crates being strewn across the ground.
Mr Bradley was treated by paramedics for lacerations to his head, right arm and leg, along with a fractured right ankle.
NSW Ambulance Service Riverina duty operations manager Eamonn Purcell said paramedics arrived to find Mr Bradley trapped by compression to his lower limbs and arm.
Rescue teams worked to move the truck to allow better access and Mr Purcell said once freed his condition deteriorated.
“Once we were able to gain access ... we found he had head injuries, arm injuries and severe lower leg injuries, with a partial amputation to the left lower leg,” Mr Purcell said.
“The patient became unstable during extrication and became unconscious.”
Paramedics worked with the crew of the Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter to resuscitate him.
He was then placed into the helicopter and airlifted to Canberra in a critical, unstable condition.
Wagga police duty officer, Inspector Peter McLay, said Mr Bradley’s family had been informed and were at his beside.
At the time of going to press, a Canberra hospital spokesman said his condition was listed as critical.
Coolamon Shire general manager Terrey Kiss described Mr Bradley as “a good guy” and said he was well-known throughout the community.
“We’re thinking of the family and hope he pulls through,” Mr Kiss said.
