- Airbags save Mayoral couple from serious injury.
- Police call for information and dash cam footage.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon and husband Bruce Cadwallader have had a lucky escape from serious injury after a weekend car crash on River Street.
The couple were heading east in the Mayoral Toyota Kluger hybrid when it collided head on with a Subaru wagon on the western approach to the Fisheries Creek Bridge West Ballina, around 7.30pm Saturday.
Bruce Cadwallader, popularly known locally as ‘The Consort’, was trapped in the driver’s seat before being freed by an off-duty police officer, who fortunately happened to be on the scene within seconds of the crash occurring.
The female Senior Constable gave first aid to the occupants of both vehicles. Police say Mayor Sharon and the 32-year-old female driver of the Subaru had the more serious injuries.
They were taken by ambulance to Lismore Base Hospital where the mayor was treated for bruising caused mostly by seat belts and airbags that deployed on impact.
Emergency workers say the safety devices in the Toyota saved the Mayoral couple from what could have been a life-threatening crash in an older vehicle.
A family spokesman told the Ballina News Daily that despite her injuries, the mayor insisted on being released from hospital Sunday morning and was recovering at home. It is expected she will be advised to take leave from her normal punishing mayoral schedule for at least next few days to fully recover.
The Cadwalladers offered thanks to the police officer who assisted, as well as the emergency crews and staff at Lismore Base Hospital for their professional care.
Police are investigating how the crash occurred and have appealed to anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.
Ironically, work is due to begin later this year on upgrading the section of road to dual-carriageway, with Mayor Cadwallader having played a pivotal role in lobbying for funding for the project.
The accident was the second serious incident for Ballina emergency crews on Saturday after a Toyota Landcruiser crashed head on into a power pole in Hogan Street just after 1.30pm.
It’s believed the driver, a man in his 70s, may have suffered a medical episode and could not be revived by paramedics.
Police say a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Best wishes for a quick recovery all.
So glad to know that Sharon, Bruce and the other driver were not seriously injured. It wasn’t your time to go Sharon, you still have a lot to do for our community
God’s angels are protecting you!