POLICE have released more detail following Tuesday’s horrific double fatal truck accident near Whitton.
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Two truck drivers died at the scene about 2.20pm and their families have been notified.
However, it could be weeks before they are formally identified with the DNA process expected to take some time.
The men – a 30 year-old from Yoogali and a 53 year-old man from Galore – had been travelling in separate heavy vehicles at the time.
Social media tributes have indicated the man from Yoogali was Micheal Irvin.
Griffith Local Area Command Inspector Nick Seddon said investigations were continuing, but said officers now had an idea of how the accident occurred.
“At this stage after speaking with witnesses and conducting initial investigations, we do have an idea of what has happened,” he said.
“A white Holden Commodore sedan was travelling east bound on Irrigation Way when they slowed to turn right onto Mount Harris Road.
“A large prime mover travelling behind the vehicle hasn’t stopped when that’s happened … at this stage we are unsure as to why.”
The sedan was hit by the truck and pushed across the road to an embankment.
“In doing so the truck has gone onto the wrong side of the road where another prime mover was travelling west at the time,” Inspector Seddon said.
The two trucks crashed into each other, with both cabins bursting into flames.
Emergency services raced to the scene, but were unable to save the two men.
The 43-year-old woman, who was behind the wheel of the sedan, sustained minor injuries in the crash and was able to remove herself from the vehicle.
She was taken to Griffith Base Hospital for mandatory testing.
A crime scene was established immediately following the accident.
Leeton Fire and Rescue NSW, the Rural Fire Service, Leeton Volunteer Rescue Association, paramedics and police remained on scene for some time.
Firefighters spent some time extinguishing the blaze that had spread from the heavy vehicles to a nearby paddock and bushland, with the road not re-opening until early the next morning.
Various road blocks were in place, with traffic being diverted to both Leeton and Griffith. A report continues to be prepared for the coroner.
