Man Charged After Fatal Burnout Incident in Hunter Valley

newy.com.au – A 22-year-old man has been charged over a fatal incident in which a car performing burnouts struck three people, killing one, in the Hunter Valley on 29 June 2025.

Emergency services responded just after midnight to a crash on a fire trail off Haul Road in Stockrington, approximately 22 kilometres southeast of Kurri Kurri. Police from the Hunter Valley Police District were told a vehicle had been doing burnouts when it hit three bystanders. The car then fled the scene.

A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died shortly afterwards. Police were informed that two women were also struck by the vehicle, but they left the area before emergency crews arrived.

At approximately 2.40am, the suspected vehicle was located burnt out on McFarlanes Road in Chisolm and was seized for forensic analysis. Crime scenes were established at both locations and an investigation was launched.

Following inquiries, the 22-year-old was arrested at Maitland Police Station around 5.30pm on 30 June. He has been charged with multiple offences, including dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving, and failing to comply with police direction.

The man was refused bail and is expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court later today, 30 June 2025.