SafeWork NSW has launched an investigation into a workplace incident that left a woman in her 70s with serious head injuries after she was pinned by a car at a mechanic shop on Darby Street, Newcastle.
Incident Details
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 2:15pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, following reports that a woman had been struck and trapped by a vehicle. Paramedics arrived to find the woman had been pinned against a wall by a car that had reportedly come towards her.
The woman was assessed at the scene for head injuries before being transported to John Hunter Hospital. An ambulance spokeswoman confirmed her condition was serious but stable.
Police and Regulator Involvement
Police are investigating whether a brake failure caused the car to lurch forward and strike the woman. A NSW Police spokeswoman stated that the matter had been referred to SafeWork NSW, the state's workplace health and safety regulator.
A SafeWork NSW spokesman confirmed that inspectors had commenced inquiries but declined to provide specific details about the incident. "Inspectors have commenced inquiries," the spokesman said.
Witness Account
A witness who passed the scene described seeing a white car that appeared to have collided with significant force against a wall near the entrance of the garage. Firefighters assessed structural damage to the building before handing the scene over to local authorities.
The garage remained cordoned off into the evening on Wednesday, and the nearby intersection was reopened later that night. Emergency services closed the road for an extended period while firefighters remained on site.
Workplace Safety Concerns
It is understood the vehicle was being mechanically assessed at the time of the incident. The crash has raised concerns about workplace safety in automotive repair settings, where vehicles undergoing maintenance can pose risks if safety protocols are not strictly followed.
SafeWork NSW continues its investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and whether any workplace safety breaches occurred.
