Baby Dies In House Fire

Police are investigating after a baby girl died in a house fire in Bargo last night.

Emergency services were called to the house on Avon Dam Road, Bargo, about 6.25pm (Sunday 12 July) after reports of a fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service worked to put out the blaze, which destroyed the house.

During a search of the house, the body of a five-month-old girl was found inside.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 79-year-old woman and 57-year-old man for smoke inhalation and lacerations. A 27-year-old woman was treated for shock.

They were taken to Campbelltown Hospital in a stable condition. An 18-month-old boy, who appeared uninjured, was also taken to hospital as a precaution.

Officers from Camden Police Area Command established a crime scene and are investigating.

Truck Driver Charged Over Menangle Crash

A truck driver from Moss Vale has been charged over a crash at Menangle yesterday where a eight year-old girl died and four other people were seriously injured.

Emergency services were called to the Frank Partridge Rest Area on Hume Highway about 3pm on Friday, July 10 after a southbound heavy vehicle drove into the car park and struck another truck and three SUVs, injuring five people.

An eight-year-old girl sustained critical injuries and died at the scene, while five people were taken to Liverpool Hospital;

- 45-year-old woman, from Forster, suffered a fractured hip, leg and head injuries;

- 46-year-old man, from Glebe, suffered a compound fracture to his right arm;

- 54-year-old woman, from the ACT, suffered multiple lower limb fractures as well as internal injuries

- 55-year-old man, also from the ACT, suffered multiple rib fractures.

All remain in Liverpool Hospital undergoing treatment.

A 45-year-old man, from Kings Park, was also taken to hospital suffering severe shock but has since been released.

The truck driver was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing before being released and taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with nine offences,

Dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, negligent driving occasioning death, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous (four counts), negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, driver not record prescribed information in written work diary, driver not use time zone of drivers base in work diary. His licence has been suspended.

The man, who was refused bail is expected to appear via audio visual link before Parramatta Bail Court today.

Winter solstice is perfect time to start star gazing

This weekend will have the darkest night of the year –Sunday, June 21 is the Winter Solstice, it marks the day when the South Pole is furthest away from the Sun. UNSW PhD candidate Kirsten Banks said stargazing conditions have never been better.

“There are fewer planes in the sky than usual, and – with less activity going on in the major cities – there’s also less air pollution,” Ms Banks said. “This makes the sky clearer, which is perfect for stargazing.” As the Southern Hemisphere is moving into winter, the Milky Way Galaxy is also rising in our skies – making the view even more spectacular. “We’re about to get a front row seat to the centre of the galaxy,” she said. “A great way to start is to simply walk outside and look up. “There’s a lot you can see with your naked eyes. “To find a planet, look for a light in the sky that stays bright. “Jupiter, Saturn and Mars are starting to rise in the night sky now – and they’ll get even easier to see over the next few months.” If your backyard isn't dark enough find a local park or oval to stargaze from. “Parks are great places because there’s not a lot of direct light on to your face and eyes.” It’s also possible to see the Milky Way (or at least part of it) in places not far from Sydney, like the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands. If you see a light that twinkles (rather than flashes like a plane), you’ve most likely spotted a star. While beautiful on their own, they might also be part of a star group, like a constellation or star cluster. “Constellations can be seen with the naked eye when taking a broad view of the sky,” Ms Banks said. Star clusters, on the other hand, are groups of stars that are in the same area of space. You will need binoculars to find them. Jupiter, Mars and Saturn are now visible in the night sky, but you need to stay up late to see them. “While some of these planets are rising early in the evening, to see them clearly, you will need to stay up until at least after 10pm,” Ms Banks said. “As we move deeper into winter, the planets will start rising earlier and will be even easier to see.” Visit the Time and Date website to check exact planet rising and setting times.