One dead, three critical after major crash near Wollongong

One person has died and three others are believed to be critical after a multi-vehicle crash involving a truck on the NSW South Coast.

A car and truck, which is believed to be a removalist vehicle, collided at the bottom of Bulli Pass in Thirroul, a northern suburb of Wollongong, about 1.50pm today. 

NSW Ambulance confirmed the incident involved multiple vehicles.

It’s believed one passenger was thrown from their vehicle onto the road, while three others had to be cut from the wreckage. 

Three fire crews were on the scene working to cut passengers free from their vehicles. 

Three patients were reported to be critical after the crash, with a woman airlifted to St George Hospital.

A man was taken to Westmead Hospital, while another man was treated at the scene and was expected to be taken to hospital.

Lawrence Hargrave Drive is closed in both directions, while Bulli Pass is closed southbound at the M1 Princes Motorway, as debris from the crash has been spread across the neighbouring road.

Motorists have been urged to avoid the area, as traffic is heavy and queued from Park Road at Bulli. 

The roads are expected to remain closed over the next few hours.