A serious multi-vehicle collision involving a truck has caused major disruption on a key Illawarra route, leaving one driver fighting for his life and more than a dozen others requiring medical assessment.
Chaos on Picton Road
The incident unfolded just before midday on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, on Picton Road at Cataract. According to emergency services, a truck jack-knifed before colliding with a roadside barricade and then slamming into six other vehicles.
The force of the impact was severe, with one person becoming trapped inside their vehicle. The crash site, located approximately one kilometre east of the Mount Keira Road intersection, was declared a crime scene as authorities began their investigation.
Major Emergency Response Underway
Paramedics from NSW Ambulance treated a total of 13 people at the scene. The most seriously injured is a man in his 30s who sustained critical chest injuries. He was treated by paramedics before the arrival of a rescue helicopter.
The rescue helicopter was tasked to land at the intersection of Mount Keira and Picton roads to airlift the critically injured patient. Other patients involved in the pile-up were reported to have minor injuries.
Given the scale of the crash and the ongoing emergency operation, Transport for NSW made the decision to close Picton Road in both directions. Officials warned motorists that the closure would be in place for a considerable time and urged them to seek alternative routes and allow extra travel time.
Road Closure and Ongoing Investigation
The closure of this major arterial road is expected to cause significant delays for commuters and freight travelling between the Illawarra region and the Southern Highlands. The exact cause of the crash is not yet known, and police investigations are continuing.
The incident highlights the dangers on this busy stretch of road, which is frequently used by heavy vehicles and holiday traffic. Further updates are expected as more information comes to hand from police and emergency services.
