Major Crash Closes Henry Lawson Drive in Both Directions After Serious Collision
Authorities in Sydney have closed Henry Lawson Drive in both directions between the M5 Motorway and Cheatle Street in East Hills following a serious traffic collision involving a truck and a van. The crash occurred early Thursday morning and has caused significant disruptions for drivers traveling through the suburbs of Milperra and East Hills.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after reports came in that a truck and a van had collided along the busy stretch of road. Paramedics assessed multiple people at the scene, and at least two individuals were transported to Liverpool Hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not yet been formally released, though authorities confirmed that one person sustained serious injuries.
Henry Lawson Drive, which runs alongside the Georges River, is a vital connection for commuters in southwestern Sydney. The crash site quickly became a scene of intense activity as firefighters, paramedics, and police worked to assist the injured and clear debris from the roadway.
Inspector Daniel Martin from NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said investigators are still determining what led to the collision. “It appears a truck traveling northbound and a van traveling southbound collided near the intersection,” Inspector Martin explained. “At this time, we are working to establish whether speed, road conditions, or driver impairment contributed to this incident.”
Motorists were advised to avoid the area altogether as traffic quickly built up along detour routes through Milperra and Panania. Live Traffic Sydney issued multiple alerts urging drivers to delay non-essential travel or use alternative corridors such as Newbridge Road and Davies Road.
Witnesses described the moment of impact as “terrifying,” with some local residents hearing a loud crash that echoed across nearby streets. “I was just getting ready for work when I heard this huge bang,” said Michael Tran, who lives near East Hills. “When I looked outside, I could see a van that was badly damaged and emergency crews arriving within minutes.”
Specialist crash investigators have since cordoned off the area to conduct a thorough examination of the scene. Police are appealing to anyone who may have dashcam footage or who witnessed the crash to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Transport for NSW issued a statement acknowledging the impact on commuters and thanking the public for their patience. “Henry Lawson Drive will remain closed for several hours while emergency services complete their work and the area is made safe,” a spokesperson said. “We understand this is a major inconvenience, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation.”
Road safety advocates are reminding all drivers to remain vigilant, particularly on busy arterial roads like Henry Lawson Drive, which carries thousands of vehicles daily. The incident comes amid growing concerns about the number of serious crashes in the region, prompting calls for improved signage and additional safety measures along high-risk stretches of roadway.
Local councils in the Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool areas have expressed sympathy to those affected and reiterated their commitment to working with state authorities to improve road safety.
The closure of Henry Lawson Drive between the M5 and Cheatle Street is expected to continue into the late afternoon as recovery operations and investigations continue.
Residents and travelers are urged to monitor Live Traffic NSW updates for the latest information and to allow extra travel time if they must pass through the surrounding suburbs.
Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
As the community waits for further updates on the condition of those injured, there is a shared hope that all involved will make a full recovery. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change on the road and the importance of taking care behind the wheel.
