A compassionate attempt to rescue an injured kangaroo on one of Australia's busiest motorways has ended in devastating tragedy, claiming the lives of two women and leaving a third fighting for her injuries.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on Thursday on the M1 Pacific Motorway near the Hawkesbury River crossing, approximately 50 kilometres north of Sydney's central business district. According to New South Wales Police, the women had stopped their vehicle and exited to assist the marsupial when they were struck by a passing car.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Emergency services rushed to the scene following multiple distress calls. Despite the efforts of paramedics, two women—aged 25 and 28—succumbed to their injuries at the scene. A third woman, aged 29, was transported to Royal North Shore Hospital in critical condition.
"It's an absolute tragedy—a devastating incident where people were trying to do a good thing," stated Superintendent Patrick Paroz of the NSW Police. "Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those involved."
Official Warnings Issued
Authorities have seized the moment to issue stern warnings to the public. The NSW Police and Transport for NSW emphasised that while the impulse to help injured wildlife is understandable, exiting a vehicle on a high-speed freeway presents extreme danger.
The official advice is clear: Do not stop on a motorway. Instead, motorists should call local wildlife rescue groups or the police, who are equipped to manage such situations safely.
Investigation Ongoing
The driver of the vehicle that struck the women was taken to hospital for mandatory testing and is currently assisting police with their inquiries. The crash investigation unit is working to determine the exact circumstances leading to the collision, including visibility conditions and vehicle speeds.
This heartbreaking event serves as a sombre reminder of the dangers inherent on high-speed roads and the critical importance of prioritising human safety when encountering wildlife emergencies.
