A woman believed to be in her 80s has died after being struck by a truck on a busy street in Sydney’s inner city, prompting renewed concerns over pedestrian safety across New South Wales.
Emergency services rushed to Harris Street in Ultimo shortly after 9am on Tuesday following reports that a pedestrian had been hit by a truck near one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors. Despite desperate efforts from NSW Ambulance paramedics, the woman died at the scene.
Police confirmed the truck driver, a man in his 40s, was not physically injured and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit have since established a crime scene as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
Major Traffic Chaos in Ultimo
The deadly incident triggered significant traffic disruptions throughout the Sydney CBD and surrounding inner-city suburbs.
Harris Street was closed between William Henry Street and Mary Ann Street for several hours while investigators examined the scene. Authorities also shut down the Allen Street off-ramp from the Western Distributor, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes through Pyrmont and surrounding areas.
Police are now urging anyone who witnessed the crash or captured dashcam footage in the area to contact Crime Stoppers.
The victim has not yet been formally identified publicly.
Another Elderly Pedestrian Killed in Sydney Days Earlier
The tragedy comes just days after another fatal pedestrian accident shocked Sydney’s southwest.
Last week, an 81-year-old man died after allegedly being struck by an SUV while walking near the corner of Railway Parade and Hughes Street in Cabramatta. Emergency crews arrived shortly after 4pm, but the elderly man could not be saved.
In that case, police later charged a 51-year-old driver with negligent driving occasioning death after investigators alleged the vehicle mounted part of the footpath before hitting the victim.
The back-to-back incidents involving elderly pedestrians have intensified concerns about road safety for vulnerable road users across Sydney.
Rising Concerns Over Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian fatalities have become an increasing focus for authorities across New South Wales and Australia more broadly, particularly in busy urban areas where heavy vehicles, distracted drivers, and congested intersections create dangerous conditions.
Road safety advocates have repeatedly called for stronger protections around CBD crossings, lower speed limits in high-foot-traffic areas, and increased awareness around elderly pedestrians who may struggle to react quickly in fast-moving traffic conditions.
Transport and safety authorities have also warned that trucks and larger vehicles pose heightened risks in inner-city environments due to blind spots and longer stopping distances.
The latest Ultimo crash has again reignited debate online about whether Sydney’s busiest roads are becoming too dangerous for pedestrians, especially older residents.
Investigation Ongoing
NSW Police say inquiries into the Ultimo crash remain ongoing, with forensic specialists continuing to examine evidence gathered from the scene.
Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage captured around Harris Street on Tuesday morning to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
