Two Fathers Identified as Victims in Tragic Five-Car Crash on New South Wales Highway

In a devastating incident on Friday afternoon, a five-car crash occurred on the Great Western Highway near Lithgow in New South Wales. The victims have now been identified as David Drozd, a father-of-nine, and Jason McMahon. The tragic accident took place when McMahon’s car crossed onto the wrong side of the highway, resulting in a series of collisions.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Two fathers killed in five-car crash at Lithgow remembered as loving role models.

According to reports, the initial collision occurred when McMahon’s car collided head-on with a westbound Toyota Hilux. The impact caused the Hilux to crash into a Hyundai Tuscan, resulting in the vehicle leaving the road with its four occupants trapped inside. Meanwhile, McMahon’s car also collided head-on with a Kia Carnival driven by Drozd. Additionally, a Nissan Patrol with four occupants and a caravan collided with McMahon’s trailer.

The Kia Carnival was carrying six passengers, including Drozd’s 41-year-old wife and children aged between five and 15. All of them sustained injuries and were transported to Westmead Hospital. Currently, one child remains in critical but stable condition, while the others are in stable condition. The woman has been released from the hospital, according to NSW Police.

The crash resulted in a total of 15 injuries, with initially five individuals reported as being in critical condition. The driver of the Hyundai Tuscan, a 55-year-old male, suffered multiple fractures and was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. He is currently in stable condition, along with his two passengers who were also hospitalized for treatment.

The families of the victims have been left devastated by the loss of their loved ones, who were both remembered as loving fathers and role models. David Drozd, a traffic engineer, had recently established his own traffic engineering consultancy firm after working for 15 years at the Penrith Council. During his tenure, he actively worked on securing grants to enhance road safety in the region, including improvements on the very highway where the tragic accident occurred.

One person shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing Drozd as a “loving husband and father” and expressing their deep sorrow for his family’s loss. Drozd was also a valued member of the Christian community, with one friend from the Central Mountains Baptist Church revealing that the family was on their way to attend a gender reveal celebration for their first grandchild.

McMahon’s sister expressed her disbelief and shared a heartbreaking tribute, highlighting her brother’s devotion as a father. She described him as a source of endless joy and laughter, and his selflessness and love touched everyone around him. She concluded by saying that while they mourn the loss of this beautiful man, they will forever cherish the precious moments they shared with him.