Courts & Police
14 April, 2026
Accidents, missing bushwalkers keep SES operators on their toes
Local State Emergency Service (SES) rescue volunteers have been kept on their toes in recent days with four life critical incidents since Saturday.
Local State Emergency Service (SES) rescue volunteers have been kept on their toes in recent days with four life critical incidents since Saturday.
Three bushwalkers were escorted out of Budderoo National Park on Monday night after becoming lost on the Missingham Steps loop trail near Carrington Falls.
Three SES volunteers were sent down the trail in darkness to escort the bushwalkers out while three more set up a base camp at the top of the trail.
SES Southern Highlands Local Commander Dylan Whitelaw said the bushwalkers left at approximately 10am and weren’t prepared for the significant drop in temperature after they lost their way.
Thankfully, they had an EPIRB with them – making it easy for rescuers to pinpoint their location.
Mr Whitelaw said the incident served as an important reminder for bush walkers to prepare for the worst-case scenario, including hypothermia.
Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold environments or water.
People who are dressed inadequately are considered at particular risk.
Mr Whitelaw also said it was important for bushwalkers to make their route known and to use the free What3words app.
The app allows emergency services to pinpoint incidents within a 3x3 metre area - even in rural and remote areas.
On Sunday afternoon seven SES volunteers attended a serious single vehicle accident on Four Mile Creek Road in the Wingello State Forest.
Police investigations into the accident are continuing.
The car rolled with five young occupants inside at approximately 1.30pm.
One of the occupants was ejected from the vehicle as it rolled. One was able to exit the vehicle unaided, while the three other occupants had to be cut free by rescuers.
The Southern Wire understands that one of the occupants was airlifted to Royal North Shore hospital in a critical condition.
Two others were transported by ambulance to Liverpool.
One person has described the crash scene as extremely confronting, with family members arriving as rescuers worked to remove the trapped occupants.
NSW Ambulance paramedics and two Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter teams stabilised and treated the occupants while SES operators worked to remove both sides of the vehicle to ensure safe access and egress.
They were assisted by Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Police.
Also on the weekend, SES operators were called to a residence in Moss Vale after a male occupant slipped and required medical attention.
Operators were required to gain access to the property so NSW Ambulance paramedics could get inside.
Also on Saturday, SES operators attended the scene of an accident in Bowral involving a car and a motorcycle.
The accident happened near the corner of Merrigang Street and Bong Bong Street.
Mr Whitelaw said Easter was a traditionally busy time for the SES given the increased number of visitors to the region.
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Read More: Wingello, Southern Highlands