ADF personnel injured after two army vehicles crash near Lismore following ex-tropical cyclone Alfred

Thirteen people were injured when two trucks carrying Australian Defence Force personnel responding to ex-cyclone Alfred crashed in far north NSW late on Saturday.

Emergency crews managed to free an officer who was trapped in the wreckage near Lismore, south of the Queensland border. NSW Ambulance received the call just after 5pm local time.

Eight people were taken by ambulance to Lismore, Tweed, Ballina and Byron hospitals, with 16 other “walking injured” driven by bus.

It is understood there were 36 army personnel on the trucks, which had travelled to the area to help with recovery efforts.

NSW Ambulance said 23 ambulance resources were sent to the scene.

The crash happened at Tregeagle Road in Tregeagle, about 9km south-east of Lismore.

The injured patients have been transferred from the scene to Lismore Base Hospital.

A NSW Police spokesperson said emergency services were called after reports two army trucks had collided.

Multiple emergency services, including paramedics, local police and specialist rescue units, are at the scene.

“Officers from the crash investigation unit will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash,” the spokesperson said.

Tregeagle Road is closed, with police urging motorists to avoid the area.

An Australian Defence Force spokesperson confirmed there was an “incident” involving two vehicles.

“A number of ADF personnel have been injured,” the spokesperson said.

“The welfare of ADF members and their families is a priority and Defence’s focus is on supporting those involved.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a joint statement with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles confirming the “serious vehicle incident involving two Australian Defence Force vehicles near Lismore”.

“A number of ADF personnel have been injured, some seriously,” the statement said.

“Medical assistance is on hand. We stress this is an ongoing incident.

“Right now our focus is on the welfare of those involved and their families.

“Our ADF heroes were on their way to help Australians in need.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said in a statement that he was “very concerned”.

“They (ADF personnel) came to the Northern Rivers to help keep this community safe,” he said.

“NSW emergency services are currently responding on the scene and we will provide all support necessary.”

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