SYDNEY firefighters who rushed to the scene of a multi-vehicle collision in the city's south were devastated to find a victim was one of their own.
OFF-DUTY firefighter Drew Cullen, 39, was trapped in his car on a narrow bridge in Heathcote but died as emergency workers frantically tried to save him.
A 42-year-old Yagoona man suffered a broken leg and remains in St George hospital, while the 28-year-old female driver of a third car was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Police are still unsure what caused the crash after spending close to 10 hours collecting evidence.
Firefighters who attended the scene have been offered counselling.
NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins said the loss has had a devastating impact on the "close-knit firefighting family".
"My deepest sympathies and thoughts are with firefighter Cullen's family over their loss," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Police Chief Inspector Mark Cook said: "Every crash is tragic, but being called to a crash that involves emergency personnel makes it that much more harrowing ... It affects everybody."
Heathcote Road was reopened early on Wednesday morning, while police are appealing for witnesses.
Five people have died since 2009 on the same stretch of road.
Later, Mr Cullen's family released a statement paying tribute to their son.
"He was a humble, down to earth, calm, drop everything to help a mate, passionate family man and proud father," it read, according to Seven News.
