Service station worker critically injured and later dies after being struck by a ute in Coffs Harbour
Consensus Summary
The investigation remains ongoing, with Victoria Police and SafeWork NSW engaged in further inquiries. ABC notes that a report will be prepared for the coroner following the worker’s death, while 7NEWS emphasizes the incident is not believed to be a targeted attack. The next court appearance for the 44-year-old driver is expected this week, as per ABC, though the exact date remains unclear. Both outlets stress the complexity of the rescue operation and the critical condition of the worker, now confirmed as fatal by ABC. The case continues to draw attention to workplace safety and the challenges faced by emergency services in such high-stakes situations.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- A 36-year-old service station worker was struck by a ute at about 7pm on Tuesday at a petrol station on Harbour Dr in Coffs Harbour.
- The ute driver, a 44-year-old woman, was allegedly leaving the petrol station after paying for fuel when the incident occurred.
- The 44-year-old woman was charged with negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and breach of bail.
- The 44-year-old woman was refused bail to face court on Wednesday (7NEWS) or granted bail on Wednesday (ABC).
- The incident is not believed to be a targeted attack, according to NSW Police acting inspector Amanda Crouch.
- The 36-year-old worker was pinned beneath the ute and required a rescue operation involving firefighters and SES crews.
- The 44-year-old woman is known to police and was on bail in relation to other offences.
- The incident occurred at a service station on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The 36-year-old worker was described as being in an unstable, critical condition after being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.
- The driver stayed at the service station until emergency services arrived and was then hospitalised for mandatory testing.
- It is unclear how long it took for the injured worker to be freed from underneath the ute.
- The 44-year-old woman was refused bail to face court on Wednesday.
- The 36-year-old worker died in John Hunter Hospital yesterday (after being in critical condition).
- Bystanders performed first-aid before emergency services worked for half an hour to free the man from underneath the vehicle.
- The driver, Jessica Mae Breen, was granted bail on Wednesday and is due to appear in court again this week.
- The incident occurred last week, with the worker being hit about 7pm last Tuesday.
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- 7NEWS states the 44-year-old woman was refused bail to face court on Wednesday, while ABC reports she was granted bail on Wednesday.
- 7NEWS does not mention the worker's death, while ABC confirms the 36-year-old worker died in hospital yesterday.
Source Articles
‘Frantic’: Petrol station employee trapped under ute critically injured in Coffs Harbour
The 36-year-old man was checking fuel levels at the bowser when he was trapped under the vehicle.
Worker dies in hospital after being dragged under ute at service station
A 36-year-old who man was hit and dragged under a ute while checking underground fuel levels at a Coffs Harbour service station last week has died in hospital.
More Crime stories
Drive-by shooting at Loganholme pub leaves four injured, police hunt suspects
Russell Brand faces trial for multiple rape and sexual assault charges spanning 1999–2009
Inquest examines failures in child protection leading to Elizabeth Struhs' death from diabetes neglect
Sam Wood charged with domestic violence, denied bail, fitness empire collapses
Alan Jones trial over alleged sexual assaults against five male complainants
Ben Roberts-Smith's war crimes allegations, defamation case, and criminal charges
Latest cross-verified stories
Trial of Beau Lamarre-Condon for alleged double murder of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies
Western Sydney International Airport opens with first commercial flights
Tonga's dominant 36-0 Rugby League World Cup win over Lebanon and rising Pasifika influence
Kimi Antonelli's pursuit of F1's youngest world championship at the 2026 US Grand Prix
Independent review finds NT child protection failures in Kumanjayi Little Baby case
Alleged attack on MP Helen Haines by Brendan Nugent in Wangaratta, Victoria
Browse all stories from October 2026 in the archive.