Highway Open Driver in Court Today

THE New England Highway has reopened this morning with a reduced speed limit in force following a collision between a truck and up to eight other vehicles near Burdekin Park in Singleton which resulted in eight people being injured.

The driver of the truck, a 29 year old man, was arrested at the scene yesterday and charged with steal motor vehicle, two counts of police pursuit – not stop, two counts of use of offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, two counts of assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer and two counts of malicious damage.

He was refused bail and will appear in Singleton local court today.

The incident yesterday will be investigated by an out of area team of police from Port Stephens and their investigation will be the subject of an independent review.

Police are asking for any eyewitnesses to contact them: 1800 333 000.

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• Breaking: Police have confirmed a truck was stolen in Murrurundi this morning, there was a pursuit south of Aberdeen, the truck is headed towards Muswellbrook. The New England highway is closed in both directions at Bridgeman Road Singleton. We have had reports of a road block at the Maison Dieu turn off. There are more reports of a loud bang and smoke at that location. More information to come.