Flying rock hits truck, authorities dumbstruck

But it is uncertain if the rock was deliberately thrown.

Carlos Camelo, of Mount Druitt, was on his way to work at a construction site in Penrith when he was struck at about 4.50am, his boss, Mark Spurr, said. The impact did not break the windscreen, but made Mr Camelo run off the road, leaving him with chest and eye injuries.

He was a stable condition in Nepean Hospital last night and was able to talk to family and friends.

Last night a police spokesman said it "appears that the rock has come from one of the two vehicles which passed him shortly before the accident occurred".

"As to whether it flew off the back of the truck or was thrown, we are still investigating," the spokesman said.

"We are appealing for witnesses to come forward to help up find out what happened."

Mr Spurr said police and tow-truck drivers at first thought the rock was deliberately thrown.

"It's disgusting but unfortunately it seems to be all too prevalent these days, it's almost attempted murder" Mr Spurr said.

"There are three impact points on the windscreen, including one right where his head would have been inside."

People who throw rocks at vehicles face up to five years jail under laws which came into force in May.