BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW, Australia - The New South Wales Police Force is appealing for public assistance in their ongoing investigation into a fatal incident that occurred in the Blue Mountains late last year.

At approximately 11 pm on Friday, 20 December 2024, emergency services were called to the intersection of the Great Western Highway and Kitchener Road in Leura, following reports of an unresponsive person on the road. Upon arrival, officers from the Blue Mountains Police Area Command discovered a 51-year-old man with severe head and torso injuries. Despite the efforts of NSW Ambulance paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the man was walking between Leura Railway Station and the Great Western Highway near Kitchener Road around 11 pm when he was struck by a vehicle. It is believed that he may have been lying on the ground prior to the collision.

The driver involved—a 50-year-old man—reported to Katoomba Police Station shortly after the incident and underwent mandatory testing at Katoomba Hospital.

Inspector Jason Hogan from the Crash Investigation Unit emphasized the importance of public assistance, stating, "The man's family deserve closure, and any information, whether it seems trivial or insignificant, could be the final piece in helping officers find out what happened to him."

Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information about the man's activities between 10:40 pm and 11 pm on Friday, 20 December 2024, to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. All information provided will be treated with strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

(File photo).