A woman has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries following a terrifying head-on collision in Cliftleigh this afternoon, sparking a major emergency response.
The dramatic crash occurred around 4:15 PM on Cliftleigh Road, bringing traffic to a standstill as multiple emergency vehicles converged on the scene.
Emergency Services Scramble to Scene
NSW Ambulance paramedics, Fire and Rescue NSW crews, and NSW Police all responded to the serious incident. Witnesses reported seeing extensive damage to both vehicles involved in the high-impact collision.
"The force of the impact was substantial," one first responder noted at the scene. "It's remarkable the injuries weren't more severe given the nature of the collision."
Rescue Operation Underway
Emergency workers faced a challenging extraction process to free the injured woman from the wreckage of her vehicle. Specialised equipment was required to safely remove her from the damaged car.
The woman, believed to be from the Maitland area, was treated at the scene by paramedics for multiple injuries before being transported to John Hunter Hospital in serious but stable condition.
Road Closures and Traffic Chaos
The crash caused significant disruption to afternoon traffic with Cliftleigh Road closed in both directions for several hours. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
NSW Police have established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances leading up to the collision. Forensic officers were seen examining the vehicles and road surface for evidence.
Community Shocked by Incident
Local residents expressed shock at the severity of the crash in what is typically a quiet semi-rural area. The incident has renewed concerns about road safety in the growing Cliftleigh community.
"You never expect something like this to happen on your doorstep," one nearby resident told reporters. "The sound of the impact was horrifying."
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the cause of the collision that left one woman fighting for her health and a community rattled.
