Rescue effort under way after Defence vehicles crash, injuring 36, some seriously

Thirty-six people have been injured and there are reports two personnel are still trapped after two Australian Defence Force vehicles crashed near the flood-hit town of Lismore in northern NSW.

Emergency services were called to Tregeagle, nine kilometres south of Lismore, just after 5pm on Saturday after receiving reports two ADF trucks had collided, police said.

A NSW Ambulance spokesman said the emergency response was still under way, but there were reports of 36 patients injured in the crash.

A joint statement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described the incident as serious.

“A short time ago there was a serious vehicle incident involving two Australian Defence Force vehicles near Lismore.

“A number of ADF personnel have been injured, some seriously.”

They said the incident was still ongoing, but medical assistance was on hand.

“Our ADF heroes were on their way to help Australians in need,” they said. “Right now our focus is on the welfare of those involved and their families.”

Sydney Morning Herald photographer Nick Moir was travelling from Coraki to Lismore when he came across the accident on Tregeagle Road.