Hunter Driver Faces Charges After Fatal Crash Near Maitland

A man has been formally charged in connection with a deadly crash near Maitland in New South Wales’ Hunter Region earlier this year, which claimed the life of another driver.

The tragic incident occurred at approximately 3.45 pm on Monday, 5 August 2024, when emergency services were called to a two-vehicle collision on Cessnock Road in Gillieston Heights, about 5 kilometres south of Maitland. Upon arrival, officers from the Port Stephens – Hunter Police District alleged that a Nissan Patrol and an Isuzu truck had collided.

The 31-year-old man driving the Nissan Patrol tragically died at the scene. His passenger, a 30-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries and was transported to John Hunter Hospital, where she was reported to be in a stable condition.

The truck driver, a 34-year-old man, suffered significant leg and spinal injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in serious condition. Following a comprehensive investigation by the Crash Investigation Unit, authorities identified a series of alleged driving offences.

On Thursday, 14 November 2024, police charged the 34-year-old truck driver with multiple alledged offences, including dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, failing to keep left in a non-class B/C vehicle, driving with a suspended licence under section 66 of the Fines Act, and possessing a prohibited drug.

The man is scheduled to face these charges before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday, 15 January 2025.