Two people were injured, one seriously, in separate crashes less than a kilometre apart near on the M1 Pacific Highway near Clothiers Creek on Friday (August 10).
At about 3.45pm a truck travelling south crossed the northbound lanes before coming to rest in cane field three kilometres north of Clothiers Creek Road.
According to police reports, the vehicle had been travelling south on highway but on approach to a left-hand bend in the road, continued straight ahead, colliding with Brifen fencing between the north and southbound lanes, travelling straight over it.
The vehicle then crossed over two north bound lanes before crashing through another section of Brifen fence on the western side of the road, down an embankment and through a cane drain before coming to rest in a sugarcane crop.
The male driver was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital for further treatment and medical checks. His injuries are not considered life-threatening
Minutes later, emergency services were called to a point on the highway about 2kms south of Clothiers Creek Road, after a Ford Festiva and Ducati motorcycle collided.
Police say that as the rider slowed his motorcycle, owing to a traffic jam cause by the previous accident he was hit by a vehicle from behind.
Just prior to the collision a bag fell from the roof racks of the vehicle, landing on the bonnet of the car and obscuring the vision of the driver who then collided with the rear of the motorcycle.
The rider, a 56-year-old man, was treated and airlifted to Cold Coast Hospital in a serious condition. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The Ford driver, a 34-year-old woman treated for minor injuries at the scene. She was subject to a roadside breath test, returning a negative result.
Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended both incidents and are investigating.
Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
