A service station worker has died in hospital, days after he was trapped under a ute on a Coffs Harbour forecourt.
Police were told on Sunday, 25 October, that the 36-year-old man had died. A report will be prepared for the NSW Coroner.
Emergency crews rushed to the United service station on Harbour Drive about 7pm on Tuesday, 20 October. Police were called to reports a man was trapped under a ute on the forecourt.
The man had been crouched, checking underground fuel tank levels, when he was hit and dragged under the vehicle.
Members of the public gave him first aid until NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, and NSW SES arrived. It took about half an hour to free him.
“It was incredibly difficult initially, with the access to the patient being restricted,” said NSW Ambulance Acting Inspector Tayla Chapman.
Paramedics treated him at the scene before he was taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a critical condition. He was then airlifted to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.
Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit began inquiries and arrested the alleged driver, a 44-year-old woman, the same day.
Jessica Mae Breen has been charged with negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. She was also charged with a breach of bail, for separate offences.
Ms Breen was granted bail on Wednesday and is due back in Coffs Harbour Local Court this week. No additional charges have been laid at this stage.
NSW Police Acting Inspector Amanda Crouch said early inquiries suggested the incident was not targeted, and oth the Crash Investigation Unit and SafeWork would investigate.
“The woman attended the service station for the purpose of collecting fuel,” Acting Inspector Crouch said. “She was leaving the forecourt at the time of the incident.”
“They are not known to each other.”
Inquiries are continuing.
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