Northern Beaches news Archives

A Cromer apprentice plumber suffered serious burns after his Toyota HiLux caught fire during a 4WD trip on Stockton Beach, destroying the vehicle and tools used for work.

Fire During Beach Drive

Coby Rogers, 18, from Cromer, was driving a modified N70 Toyota HiLux twin-cab along Stockton Beach, north of Newcastle, when the vehicle caught fire.

The incident occurred on Friday evening on a section of beach north of the township of Salt Ash. The ute had a dual LPG and petrol fuel system, and flames linked to the LPG tank reportedly spread into the cab area.

Rogers exited the vehicle after the fire began. He sustained burns to his forearms, the front of his legs and his feet.

Cromer ute fire — *Photo Credit: GoFundMe*

Emergency Response

Emergency crews responded at the beach and provided treatment at the scene.

Paramedics attended and a medical rescue helicopter was involved in the response before Rogers was transported to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

Reports indicate he may require multiple skin graft procedures at the burns unit at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Information shared through a fundraising campaign states that he sustained second and third-degree burns to his arms and legs.

Ute And Work Equipment Lost

The Toyota HiLux was destroyed in the fire. The vehicle contained tools used for Rogers’ plumbing apprenticeship with Davidson’s Plumbing in Cromer.

The report states that about $8,000 worth of tools were lost in the blaze. Personal belongings including a phone, wallet, bag and study materials from TAFE were also destroyed.

The ute had also been used as a work vehicle.

Stockton Beach incident — *Photo Credit: GoFundMe*

Fundraiser For Recovery

A fundraising campaign has been organised by Rogers’ friend Jai Anderson to help replace tools lost in the fire and support the cost of another vehicle.

The fundraiser page states Rogers lost most of his tools and personal belongings in the incident. It also says the vehicle was a significant personal asset for him.

The campaign, created on 7 March 2026, lists Rogers as the beneficiary and Anderson as the organiser. As of the latest update, the fundraiser had raised about $6,350 towards an $8,000 target through 35 donations.

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Community Support

Messages shared online have included expressions of support for Rogers as he recovers from his injuries.

Some comments also speculated about how the fire began, though no confirmed cause has been publicly established in the material available.

Recovery Ahead

Medical treatment and recovery remain the immediate focus following the incident.

The destruction of the ute and work equipment has created additional challenges as Rogers recovers from his injuries and considers replacing essential tools used for his apprenticeship.

Published 12-Mar-2026

A stretch of Wakehurst Parkway has locals rattled after years of eerie reports involving a mysterious woman said to appear inside cars, causing drivers to panic. Known for its winding road through bushland in Oxford Falls on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the parkway has become one of the most talked-about roads in New South Wales for paranormal encounters.

Chilling Encounters Behind The Wheel

For decades, drivers on Wakehurst Parkway have shared eerie encounters near Oxford Falls, where a ghostly figure that has come to be known as “Kelly” is said to appear without warning. She’s often spotted on the roadside or suddenly in the back seat, vanishing moments later.

*Photo Credit: Haunted Wakehurst Parkway/Matt DBF Youtube*

Some motorists report headlights flickering, mirrors catching fleeting movement, or an icy chill filling the car. One woman said she was warned never to drive the road alone and once heard someone breathing behind her, despite being completely alone. Similar stories have been told by taxi and rideshare drivers, keeping the legend alive.

Real Crimes Deepen The Road’s Dark History

Adding weight to the superstitions are several tragic events along the Wakehurst Parkway. In 1995, the body of 21-year-old Frances Tizzone was found near the road. She had been strangled, and her ex-boyfriend was later convicted. In another case, Stephen Dempsey was killed in nearby Deep Creek Reserve in 1994, his remains hidden in a freezer before being dumped.

These events, while confirmed by police investigations, have added to the belief that the area holds a dark energy. Some locals feel the haunting is tied to these tragedies, while others believe it’s rooted in even older history connected to the nearby former quarantine stations.

Paranormal Groups And Filmmakers Investigate

Wakehurst Parkway’s haunted reputation has drawn interest from both filmmakers and paranormal researchers. Local filmmaker Bianca Biasi has explored the legend through several projects, highlighting repeated sightings of a woman in a nurse’s uniform or wedding dress.

Some believe she may be linked to former nurses from the Manly Quarantine Station. Ghost-hunting teams have investigated the Oxford Falls area using EMF meters and audio gear, reporting eerie voices and thrown objects. Still, no official evidence has confirmed anything supernatural.

A Community Caught Between Fear And Folklore

While many locals chalk the sightings up to coincidence or imagination, there’s no denying the unease that Wakehurst Parkway stirs. Drivers regularly share warnings online and within the community, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. Many say they choose alternate routes at night, especially alone.

The stories have also sparked discussions on road safety. The Parkway’s narrow lanes, poor lighting, and blind curves have been blamed for many accidents. Whether the cause is something paranormal or simply poor road design, it’s clear the stretch through Oxford Falls remains a source of concern and curiosity for the community.

Published 11-June-2025

Tag: Northern Beaches news

Cromer Apprentice Injured After HiLux Fire On Stockton Beach