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Fatal head-on collision on Monaro Highway following police pursuit

Earlier today on the Monaro Highway, an allegedly intoxicated driver was speeding away from NSW Police shortly before his car collided head-on with another vehicle, killing its driver.

About 10.30am today, Thursday 30 December, officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Traffic South attempted to stop the driver of a black Commodore on the Monaro Highway, north of Michelago.

The driver allegedly failed to stop as directed and accelerated at speed, before a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.

It will be alleged the driver of the Commodore then travelled onto the wrong side of the road and collided head-on with a white van.

The male driver of the van was trapped in the vehicle and suffered critical injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene. The driver is yet to be formally identified, however, is believed to be aged in his 50s.

The driver of the Commodore – a 48-year-old man – and his female passenger sustained minor injuries. The pair were both treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test and allegedly returned a positive result.

He was later airlifted to Canberra Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Traffic diversions are currently in place at Williamsdale, and the road has been closed in both directions 100m south of the ACT border.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area and check www.livetraffic.com for updates.

A critical incident team from Wollongong Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.

That investigation will be subject to an independent review.

No police officers were injured during the incident.

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