11/06/2026
Last week, volunteers from the Castlemaine SES Unit were called to a Priority 1 road accident on the Maldon–Newstead Road.
As these photos show, this was a particularly challenging rescue. The driver, a local tradie, lost control in wet and slippery conditions and ended up partially up an embankment, heavily trapped inside the vehicle.
The wet and muddy ground made stabilising the vehicle especially difficult. The driver was pinned in the driver’s seat, with much of his tools and equipment pressing down on him from behind.
Even with highly experienced SES members on scene — including volunteers with up to 43 years of service — this was a complex rescue that required time, care, teamwork, and precision to safely free the driver.
Thankfully, this incident had a positive outcome. The driver was safely removed from the vehicle and airlifted to the hospital for further treatment.
This rescue is also a timely reminder for anyone carrying tools, equipment, stock, or other items in a van or work vehicle: even when your load is inside the vehicle, it still needs to be properly secured. A protective cargo barrier between the driver and the load can make a significant difference in a crash.
A sincere thank you to all Castlemaine SES members who attended this incident. We also extend a very big thank you to the members of the CFA, whose assistance on scene was extremely helpful and instrumental in achieving a safe and successful rescue for this very lucky driver.
Please take care on the roads, especially in wet and slippery conditions.
For SES assistance during storms and floods, call 132 500.
In life-threatening emergencies, always call 000.
