Manly Beach, NSW — A dramatic car crash near Manly Beach on Wednesday afternoon resulted in a major emergency response and road closures, after a driver in his 70s collided with a construction vehicle and flipped his car along the popular coastal boardwalk.
According to New South Wales emergency services, the incident occurred just before 2 p.m. at the busy intersection of Wentworth Street and South Steyne Road. Witnesses described the terrifying moment when the driver allegedly sped through the Coles car park at full speed, veering onto the wrong side of the road, striking a parked construction vehicle, and then flipping violently after hitting a tree along the boardwalk.
“It’s an actual miracle he hit that tree — otherwise people would’ve been mowed down on the boardwalk,” a witness at the scene recounted. The crash occurred in a high-foot-traffic area, popular with beachgoers and pedestrians.
Emergency services, including NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Ambulance, and local police, responded rapidly. NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Adam Dewberry confirmed that crews arrived on scene within minutes and worked for approximately 15 minutes to safely extract the male driver from the overturned vehicle.
A spokesperson from NSW Ambulance said the man, believed to be in his early 70s, sustained minor injuries despite the severity of the crash. He was treated at the scene before being transported to Royal North Shore Hospital for further evaluation and care.
“The response was fast and coordinated, and fortunately no pedestrians or other motorists were injured,” said Superintendent Dewberry. “Given the location and time of day, this incident could have been far worse.”
The crash led to temporary road closures along parts of Manly Beach, with traffic diversions in place as authorities investigated and cleared the scene. Cleanup crews and emergency personnel worked to safely remove the damaged vehicle and assess any damage to the surrounding infrastructure, including the boardwalk and nearby trees.
Police are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances of the crash, including whether a medical episode or mechanical failure may have contributed to the accident. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any charges will be filed.
As the beachside community reflects on the narrow escape from a potentially deadly situation, locals are praising the quick action of emergency crews and bystanders who rushed to assist.
More information will be released as the investigation continues. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or the Northern Beaches Police Area Command.