13-year-old boy dies in paddock crash involving suspected stolen car

A tragic crash in the New South Wales Hunter region has resulted in the death of a 13-year-old boy. Emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle accident in Gateshead, Lake Macquarie, around 3 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found an SUV that had veered off the road and crashed into a nearby paddock.

First responders attempted to revive the 13-year-old boy, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A 14-year-old boy, who was also a passenger in the vehicle, sustained leg injuries and was arrested at the scene. Subsequently, an 18-year-old man was also taken into custody. Both the 14-year-old and the 18-year-old are currently under police guard at John Hunter Hospital.

Police revealed that the SUV involved in the crash was reported stolen from the Swansea area overnight. Two other occupants of the car reportedly fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. A crime scene has been established, and the circumstances surrounding the crash are under active investigation. Authorities are urging any potential witnesses to come forward as they prepare a report for the coroner.