Bushwalker dies at Mt Solitary
A woman has died after a fall whilst bushwalking at Mt Solitary, just south of Katoomba, on Sunday, October 16. The 33-year-old woman had travelled up from Sydney with a group of friends. Police Rescue and POLAIR, with assistance from the TOLL Rescue Helicopter, launched a rescue operation, on difficult terrain just after 2pm, but the woman died from her injuries before they could arrive. The police will conduct an inquiry into the incident and prepare a report for the coroner.
Crash after long chase
A car chase that spanned much of the Great Western Highway in the Blue Mountains ended with a serious crash at Mt Boyce near Blackheath on Friday, October 15. Just after 12:30pm, police tried to stop a grey Volkswagen sedan on Forest Road, Bexley for a random breath test. The driver allegedly failed to stop, with the police pursuing the car as it allegedly reached a speed of 160km/h. The car reached the Great Western Highway, and the chase was abandoned for safety reasons, before resuming at Bullaburra with the help of POLAIR. Road spikes were used at this point, which proved unsuccessful. Just after 2pm the car tried to overtake a semi-trailer on the inside lane, only to crash into a stationery police car and tip on to its roof (no police officers were injured).
Two men who were in the car were assessed by paramedics at the scene, with one airlifted to Liverpool Hospital and the other to Westmead Hospital. Police investigations are continuing, with anyone with information or dashcam footage urged to come forward: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
Blaxland property damage
At 8pm on Friday, October 15, a 27-year-old man was asked to leave a licensed premises in Blaxland after he allegedly refused to adhere to public health restrictions. The man was also allegedly seen taking alcohol from behind the bar, and then threatened staff. As he was leaving the man allegedly threw chairs at a gaming machine and two TAB screens. Police arrested him nearby and he faces multiple charges. He was granted bail and will appear at Penrith Local Court on November 4.
Motorcyclist injured
At 10:30am on Saturday, October 16, a white van was travelling east on the Great Western Highway at Warrimoo, when a solar panel carried on its roof came loose and ended up hitting a motorcyclist travelling behind. The motorcyclist, a 50-year-old man from Katoomba, was taken to Nepean Hospital with leg injuries. The van failed to stop and police ask that anyone who witnessed the incident or who might have dashcam footage to come forward by contacting Springwood Police: 02 4751 0299.