THREE young men from Orange on their way home from a pig hunting trip have been killed and police believe fatigue was the contributor.
A 21-year-old driver and his 17-year-old and 24-year-old passengers were driving south along the Mitchell Highway north-west of Dubbo when their ute veered off the road on Saturday morning.
The black 4WD ute wrapped around a tree near Trangie, killing the three men at the scene.
A green P-plate sign was visible as emergency services from around the rural region descended on the crash scene just before 8am.
Remarkably, two dogs that accompanied the boys on their pig hunting trip survived the crash and were treated by a local vet, while another later died.
The absence of skid marks on the road has led police to believe the driver may have fallen asleep.
"Fatigue is the most likely outcome there," NSW Police Highway Patrol Inspector Phil Brooks said.
The deaths have reverberated through the community in Orange.
"My life is a darker place today...so many things left unsaid...so many paths left to smooth out," Tosh Pintos wrote on Facebook.
"A few more beverages to be had...im breaking inside but have to stay strong."
Narromine Shire mayor Bill McAnally said the stretch of highway had seen quite a few accidents in recent years and drivers had be very much aware of fatigue.
"I believe these were all young blokes on P-plates," he said.
"There would be some devastated parents this morning having lost three young men."
Earlier
Three people have died following a single-vehicle crash north-west of Dubbo this morning.
The crash happened about 10km north of Trangie, when a southbound 4WD left the Mitchell Highway and struck a tree, about 7.40am Saturday.
Three young men died at the scene. They have not been further identified.
Three dogs survived the crash and are being treated by a local vet.
One northbound lane is closed while the scene, about 80km from Dubbo, is examined and cleared.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/
