1 March 2026

Fatal crash shuts Monaro Highway in both directions, police search for second driver

| By Claire Fenwicke
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It’s estimated diversions will add an extra five hours to a person’s trip following a fatal crash. Photo: LiveTraffic.

A person has died and one is missing following a two-vehicle smash on the Monaro Highway.

Emergency services were called to the road at Colinton, 10 km south of Michelago, at about 12:15 am on Sunday (1 March) after reports two cars had crashed head-on.

Police officers found the driver of one car dead at the scene, but have not found the driver of the second vehicle.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation is underway.

No further details about either driver’s identities is available.

READ ALSO In NSW, the fine for odometer tampering is $55,000. In the ACT, it’s far, far less …

The Monaro Highway is closed in both directions from Old Cooma Road (near Royalla) and Yareen Road, Cooma, as a result.

Diversions are in place and are only suitable for light vehicles.

Southbound motorists are being directed to follow Old Cooma Road, Ellerton Drive, Kings Highway, Princes Highway, Snowy Mountains Highway and the Monaro Highway.

Northbound motorists are advised to take the Snowy Mountains Highway, Princes Highway, Kings Highway, Canberra Avenue, Hindmarsh Drive and then the Monaro Highway.

The diversions are expected to add five hours travel time.

Heavy vehicles are being parked.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Capital Retro11:39 am 02 Mar 26

Update from ACT Police Media:
“Last update: Sunday, 1 March 2026 11:01am
Original publication: Sunday, 1 March 2026 10:21am
UPDATE at 10.55am: Wanted man Waqas Haider has been located and is in police custody.

**********************************************************************************************

ACT Policing is urgently seeking public assistance to locate 39-year-old Charnwood man Waqas Haider.

Mr Haider is currently considered a threat to himself and others.

He is described as Pakistani in appearance, about 185 cm (6’1”) tall, with a medium build, short black hair and brown eyes.

He was last known to be in NSW near Michelago early today (Sunday, 1 March 2026) and may have travelled back to the ACT where he resides.

He may be on foot or in a vehicle, however investigators have no information about any vehicle he may be in.

If Mr Haider is sighted, he should not be approached.

Anyone who can provide information about Waqas Haider’s whereabouts (in NSW or the ACT) is asked to immediately call police on 131444.

Reality cheque9:10 am 02 Mar 26

I dont understand why the highway was closed for over 14 hours!! We had to drive through adaminaby from the South Coast to get back to Canberra like 100s of other people including buses and heavy vehicles on a dirt road totally unsuitable for such vehicles. People were driving like maniacs on the dirt road through namadgi. Also now warnings at Cooma that the road was blocked. Surely a single lane opening around the crash would have been feasible. Do better next time and whilst youre at it deliver some much needed road funding to the monaro to make it dual carriageway, not the goat track third world road it currently is.

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