The death of a 26-year-old man yesterday morning has continued the spate of shocking crashes that have hit the region this week.
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Three serious incidents have occurred since Wednesday night, leaving another two people in a critical condition.
Emergency services responded to an accident on Friday morning involving a utility and B-double on the Sturt Highway, about 36 kilometres west of Hay.
The Murrumbidgee Police District confirmed a 26-year-old man lost his life when his ute veered onto oncoming traffic.
"It would appear the Triton utility, driven by the deceased, was traveling west and the truck was traveling east," said Chief Inspector John Wadsworth.
"Early indications appear the vehicle may have veered into the path of the truck, causing a head-on collision.
"Because of the impact and the truck carrying flammable liquids, the truck caught alight."
A statement by NSW Police Media said an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with a report being prepared for the coroner.
Deputy mayor of the Hay Shire Council David Townsend described the event as a "total tragedy" that has left the entire community in mourning.
A NSW Rural Fire Service media spokesperson said they are very aware on the impact of fatalities or serious events on volunteers' mental health and there are a range of support services.
A 19-year-old man behind the wheel of a car was struck by a truck at a notorious intersection on Wednesday evening, where he remains in a critical but stable condition at St George Hospital.
Emergency services were called to the scene at Ashmont's Sturt Highway and McNickle Road about 8.15pm.
Riverina Police District Acting Inspector Geoff Gray previously told The Daily Advertiser that the cause is still under investigation.
"It's believed a Toyota Yaris was driving south on McNickle Road and collided with a semi-trailer, fully loaded with livestock," he said.
"The truck driver [a 54-year-old man] was taken to Wagga Base hospital for blood and urine testing, but we are still waiting for results."
A NSW Police spokesperson said the passenger of the car, a 19-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries and underwent treatment at Wagga Base Hospital.
Less than 12 hours later, three men were involved in a single-vehicle accident on the Hume Highway in Tarcutta about 5.30am on Thursday.
The car lost control and rolled onto its roof, with the 25-year-old driver being airlifted to St George Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Acting Inspector Gray said these events are a timely reminder for residents to be safe on the roads and drive to the conditions.
