E-bike crash leaves 16-year-old critically injured in Barrack Heights, Wollongong

Consensus Summary

A 16-year-old girl remains in critical but stable condition in hospital after being struck by an e-bike rider in Barrack Heights, south of Wollongong, at 10.50pm on Sunday evening. Both 7NEWS and ABC confirm the incident occurred on Shellharbour Road, where the victim was treated by paramedics before being airlifted to St George Hospital in Sydney. Police are investigating the collision, which involved a 35-year-old male e-bike rider who allegedly tested positive for alcohol with a breath reading of either .135 or 0.135, as well as cocaine and methylamphetamine. The rider was taken to Oak Flats Police Station, though no charges have been laid at this stage.

The incident unfolded after a pedestrian was reportedly run over by the e-bike rider, with emergency services called to the scene shortly after. The victim, described as a 16-year-old, received immediate medical attention before being transported to Sydney for further treatment. Police have established a crime scene and are examining the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the presence of a second e-bike rider who fled the scene without stopping to assist. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging witnesses to come forward with any relevant information.

The 35-year-old rider, who remained at the scene, was questioned by police and allegedly provided a breath test reading that exceeded the legal alcohol limit. Both outlets report that he tested positive for drugs, including cocaine and methylamphetamine, though ABC notes that the samples will undergo further analysis. Police have not yet filed charges, but the case is being treated as a serious traffic incident with potential criminal implications. The rider’s e-bike was seized for forensic testing as part of the investigation.

While both sources agree on the core details of the incident, minor discrepancies exist in the reporting of the breath test reading—7NEWS uses '.135', while ABC cites '0.135'. Additionally, ABC specifies that the collision occurred near Sunset Avenue, whereas 7NEWS does not mention this location. Both outlets, however, emphasize the need for the public to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any footage or information that could aid the investigation, including dashcam or mobile phone recordings from the area.

The investigation remains active, with police focusing on identifying the second e-bike rider who left the scene without providing assistance. No charges have been laid against the 35-year-old rider at this time, though the case is still under review. Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, as the details could be crucial in determining the full extent of the events that unfolded on Shellharbour Road that evening. The outcome of the investigation will depend on further evidence, including the results of the breath and drug tests, as well as any additional witness statements.