Friends and family have paid tribute to a “great mate and a great dad” who died in a horror multi-vehicle crash near Lithgow in New South Wales on Friday afternoon.
Key points:
- Jason Mcmahon, 42, has been described as “one of the nicest guys”
- One child remains in a critical condition
- The crash brings the NSW road toll to 351
Sydney man Jason McMahon, 42, was one of two men who died on the Great Western Highway at Wallerawang, in a five-car crash that injured 15 others, including five children.
An online fundraiser set up in Mr McMahon’s name said a “beautiful family” had “lost a son, a dad, a fiancé and more”.
“The McMahon family have lost a big role model in their life,” friend Kirsty-Lee Shearer wrote.
On Facebook, friends paid tribute to a “great dad”.
“A great mate, a great dad, you couldn’t do anymore for your children and you always put others first,” one wrote.
Troy Pears said: “One of the nicest guys and best mate you could come across.
“Thoughts and prayers to the first responders and other families involved and impacted by what must of [sic] been such a horrific event.”
Police say the crash happened when Mr McMahon’s eastbound Isuzu car towing a motorcycle trailer collided with a westbound Toyota.
The Toyota then struck a Hyundai causing it to leave the roadway and trapping the occupants inside, police said.
The Isuzu struck a Kia car head on, before a Nissan towing a caravan hit the trailer on the Isuzu from behind.
The 49-year-old driver of the Kia also died. His car was carrying a woman, 41, and five children between the ages of five and 15.
The crash scattered debris across the highway, requiring up to 80 frontline emergency personnel, including NSW Ambulance paramedics, VRA Rescue, State Emergency Service and Fire and Rescue officers.
Five patients were taken to hospital in a critical condition, but four are now stable.
One child remains in a critical condition.
Lithgow City Council Mayor Maree Statham described the crash as a “tragic end to 2023”.
“To the families of the two men deceased our sincere sympathy is extended for the tragic loss of their loved ones,” Ms Statham said.
“To the remaining injured, including the beautiful children, our sincere concerns for your recovery.
“We have incredible specialists and medical staff in our hospitals that no doubt will fight the fight of their lives to do what they can to save these very badly injured patients.”
Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with a report being prepared for the Coroner.
The crash brings the state’s road toll to 351.