18 January 2026

Woman dies after being hit by falling branch

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Car on winding road

A tragic accident has claimed the life of a female driver on Macquarie Pass. Photo: File, TfNSW.

A woman has died after being struck by a falling tree branch on Macquarie Pass yesterday (Saturday, 17 January 2026).

Just before 4 pm, emergency services were called to the Illawarra Highway, Macquarie Pass, near Clover Hill Road, following reports a large tree branch had fallen through a car windscreen.

A female driver, aged 48, died at the scene.

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A man, aged 47, in the front passenger seat, and two children seated in the rear, were not injured.

Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District established a crime scene.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

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