A teenager has undergone surgery after a car ploughed into a group of cyclists on a country road – leaving one dead and three others injured.
A female driver, in her 30s, collided with four riders during a cycling race on Long Swamp Road, around 14km south-west of Armidale, in NSW’s Northern Tablelands, at 3.30pm on Saturday.
Her car then crashed into a tree, with rescuers cutting her free before the vehicle burst into flames.
One man, aged in his 60s, was declared dead at the scene, while the female driver and a 14-year-old boy were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in critical conditions.
Two others – aged 57 and 39 – were treated by paramedics before being rushed to Armidale Hospital with various injuries.
The three hospitalised cyclists are now in stable condition.
Armidale Scout Group on Sunday revealed the teenager, Richard May, was one of their members who had been participating in the 30km race.
Scout leader Bruce Meyers said Richard was undergoing surgery for numerous injuries after being airlifted to Newcastle.
‘2nd Armidale Scout Group sends our thoughts and prayers to Richard May and his family,’ Mr Myers said.
‘We are thinking of the May family at this time and wish Richard a safe and successful surgery and a speedy recovery.’
Meanwhile, tributes have begun to flow online for the man who lost his life in the crash.
One member of the local cycling community described the man as a ‘dear friend, a fellow competitor for many years and a mentor to many’ who ‘will be sadly missed.’
‘A major loss for such a tight community and family of small town cyclists,’ he said.
‘My heart is for all involved at the accident today and the families of those involved.’
Dozens of emergency service vehicles, including paramedics, police, fire crews and two rescue helicopters responded to the horror crash.
Long Swamp Road, near the intersection of Edwards Road, remains closed on Sunday as crash investigation officers examine the scene.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue, police are urging any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.