people – including an eight-year-old boy – were injured in a three-vehicle pile up two kilometres on the Tamworth side of the Dungowan Hotel last night.

The horrific smash, which left the boy trapped in the wreckage of a car with the body of the driver for 30

minutes, occurred just before 8pm.

The boy was freed by members of Ambulance Rescue before being rushed to

Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The Leader was told the tragedy unfolded when the driver of a grain truck – reportedly owned by a local company – lost control of the vehicle.

It appears as if the truck had veered across the road before tipping over and then striking two oncoming cars.

The occupants of the first car – a Daihatsu – managed to free themselves moments before it burst into flames.

It is believed the driver of the second car – in which the child was also travelling – died instantly.

Witnesses said the second car was a Holden Astra.

Emergency services from Tamworth and the surrounding area responded swiftly.

Local Rural Fire Service units and at least one NSW Fire Brigade Unit were called out to attend the fire.

Three police cars, SES units with special lighting equipment and a heavy vehicle recovery unit were also called in.

The CRASH investigation team was at Dungowan late last night and it is believed a crime scene had been

established.

Tamworth Regional Council workers were called out to put traffic diversions in place.

The identities of the deceased man and the injured had not been released at the time of going to press.