A serious multi-vehicle collision has shut down a section of Picton Road in the Illawarra region, leaving one man fighting for his life and sending six people to hospital.
Chaotic Scene After Truck Jackknifes
The incident occurred just before midday on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, near Cataract, approximately one kilometre east of the Mount Keira Road intersection. According to initial reports, a truck jackknifed, struck a roadside barricade, and then collided with five other vehicles.
The force of the impact was severe, scattering debris across the roadway and leaving one person trapped inside their vehicle, requiring extraction by emergency crews.
Major Emergency Response
A significant emergency response was immediately launched. Police, firefighters, and paramedics from NSW Ambulance rushed to the scene. The rescue helicopter also attended, landing at the nearby intersection of Mount Keira and Picton roads to assist.
In total, 13 people were assessed by paramedics at the crash site. Of those, six required transport to hospital for further treatment. The most seriously injured is a man in his 30s, who sustained critical chest and arm injuries. The remaining seven individuals were assessed and did not require hospitalisation.
Road Closure and Ongoing Operations
The crash has forced the complete closure of this section of Picton Road, and authorities have warned motorists it will remain shut for a considerable period. Transport for NSW has advised drivers to seek alternative routes and allow for extensive additional travel time.
Specialist HAZMAT crews have been called to the location to manage the removal of diesel fuel spilled from the truck involved in the collision. The scene has been declared a crime scene by police, indicating a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash is now underway.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on regional roads, particularly during the holiday period. Emergency services continue their work at the site as the community awaits further updates on the condition of those injured.
