FALLS CREEK, NSW — A major investigation is underway following a devastating two-vehicle collision on the New South Wales South Coast that claimed the lives of a driver and their passenger early Wednesday morning.

Emergency services were called to the Princes Highway near Mortimer Road at Falls Creek, approximately 12 kilometers south of Nowra, at around 8:00 AM on June 10, 2026, following reports of a severe crash involving a car and a truck.

First responders from the South Coast Police District arrived to find a catastrophic scene, with both vehicles heavily damaged and completely blocking the highway.

Despite the rapid response of paramedics and rescue crews, the driver and passenger of the sedan sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Authorities have confirmed that formal identification of the deceased individuals is still pending as police work to contact next of kin.

The driver of the truck became trapped inside his cabin as a result of the impact. Fire and Rescue NSW teams worked alongside paramedics to meticulously extricate him from the wreckage. He was assessed on-site by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to a regional hospital in a serious condition.

A crime scene was immediately established, and specialized officers from the Crash Investigation Unit (CIU) have been deployed to the site. Forensic investigators will examine the roadway, vehicle impact points, and mechanical data to determine the exact cause of the collision.

The Princes Highway remains closed in both directions at Falls Creek, causing extensive traffic delays across the South Coast network. Transport for NSW has urged motorists to avoid the area entirely, delay non-essential travel, or utilize significant local diversions. Heavy vehicle operators are being directed to alternative freight routes while the scene is cleared and investigated.

Police are appealing to any witnesses or motorists with dashcam footage who were traveling along the Princes Highway near Nowra between 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.