Tragic: Indian Tourist Killed In Newcastle Crash, Police Searching For Teens

Photo: NSW Police

A fatal collision on Newcastle Road in North Lambton, New South Wales, has resulted in the death of an Indian tourist and left another woman critically injured, sparking a major police investigation and community shock.

The police are searching for two teenagers - one a driver and the front seat passenger - who fled the scene after the crash. 

Superintendent Mark Thompson expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and urged anyone with information to come forward. “This is a devastating incident for everyone involved. We ask anyone with dashcam footage or other information to contact us immediately,” he said.

Car With Unauthorised Number Plates Crosses Onto Wrong Side

The incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, 22 June 2025, when police from the Newcastle City Police District spotted a Holden Commodore with unauthorised number plates travelling along Newcastle Road in Wallsend.

Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, but the driver allegedly refused to stop and continued driving erratically. Police chose not to pursue the car due to safety concerns.

Shortly afterwards, another police unit observed the Holden cross onto the wrong side of the road before losing sight of it. Minutes later, emergency services were called to the scene after the Holden collided head-on with a Hyundai sedan travelling in the opposite direction.

Pregnant Woman Loses Unborn Child

The passenger of the Hyundai—a 55-year-old woman believed to be an Indian national visiting Australia—died at the scene. Authorities are yet to formally identify the deceased as they work to notify her family. The driver of the Hyundai, a 28-year-old woman, was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition. It was later revealed that she was 25 weeks pregnant and had tragically lost her unborn child as a result of the crash.

The driver and front passenger of the Holden reportedly fled the scene before police arrived. Two rear passengers in the Holden, girls aged 15 and 17, were seriously injured and remain in hospital under police guard.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a young man seen in the area at the time of the incident. He is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, in his late teens, about 165cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities are also seeking a 17-year-old girl believed to have been the front seat passenger of the Holden.

Police Appeal

A crime scene was established, and a critical incident team from the Hunter Valley Police District is leading the investigation. The case will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support from the local community and has led to consular officials being notified. Newcastle Road was temporarily closed as forensic teams conducted their work.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.