A teenage girl has died and two people are in a critical condition following a devastating two-vehicle collision on Appin Road in Sydney's south-west on Thursday night.
Details of the Appin Road Collision
The serious incident occurred around 8pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Emergency services were called to Appin Road after a Toyota Hilux ute and a Mazda sedan collided.
Tragically, a 17-year-old girl who was a passenger in the Mazda died at the scene. Three other occupants of the sedan were injured. A 46-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were transported to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition, where they remain fighting for their lives.
A 12-year-old boy, also in the Mazda, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment.
Police Investigation and Road Closures
The 22-year-old male driver of the Toyota Hilux ute suffered minor injuries. He was taken to Campbelltown Hospital under police guard for mandatory drug and alcohol testing, which is standard procedure following serious crashes.
Appin Road was closed in both directions between Armstrong and Rixon roads to allow for a thorough investigation by the Crash Investigation Unit. The major route did not reopen until 5am on Friday, January 9.
A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
A Tragic Week on Illawarra Roads
This fatal crash is the latest in a series of serious accidents across the Illawarra and surrounding regions this week, marking a devastating start to the new year.
On Thursday morning, a woman riding a bicycle was struck by a car at Russell Vale. She is also fighting for life in St George Hospital.
Also on Thursday, a collision between two trucks on the Hume Motorway at Berrima left one driver in a critical condition.
This follows a chaotic six-vehicle accident involving five cars and a truck on Wednesday, which resulted in injuries to 13 people.
Police are urging anyone with information about any of these collisions, including dashcam footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
