Police confirm a man has died bushwalking Cradle Mountain on Christmas Day

Tasmania Police has confirmed a bushwalker has tragically died at Cradle Mountain on Christmas Day.

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Christmas Day tragedy: Bushwalker dies at Cradle Mountain

December 25, 4.30pm: A bushwalker in his 60s has died at Cradle Mountain National Park, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were alerted to reports a person had been found unresponsive on a track near the junction of Hansons Peak and Twisted Lakes track.

Officers said sadly on arrival the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police believe there was no suspicious circumstances following preliminary investigations.

A report is set to be prepared for the Coroner.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time,” Tasmania Police said.

Two young men rescued near Federation Peak

December 24, 10am: Two young men bushwalking who had set up camp near Federation Peak became lost and sparked a rescue after leaving their campsite without their equipment, police say.

The two men, aged in their twenties, activated their personal locator beacon about 8pm last night after becoming disoriented in the southwest National Park, police say.

Tasmania Police Search and Rescue crews were deployed, while the Westpac Police Rescue Helicopter was delayed in assisting the effort due to poor weather conditions.

The two men were found about 5.40am this morning uninjured by search and rescue crews.

Police are urging people to be prepared for all conditions following the incident.

Search controller Senior Constable Cam Rennie said Tasmanian weather could rapidly and dramatically change — so it was important that all walkers prepared for the worst.

“Many of the locations where people require assistance are remote, and it takes time for police and rescue crews to arrive and then navigate potentially challenging conditions,” he said.

“While crews will always respond when called, you can keep yourself safe by carrying the right equipment.”

Safety tips:

*Be prepared: Ensure you have appropriate equipment, including a map, torch, suitable clothing and footwear for all conditions, a waterproof jacket, adequate food, water, and a first aid kit and carry it with you at all times.

*Research your trip: Check the intended trip’s difficulty level and whether it aligns with your fitness and skill level. Always have a route plan, map, and check the expected weather forecast.

*Inform others: Let someone know about your planned route and expected return time before embarking on your journey.

*Carry communication devices: Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Consider a portable charger to extend your phone’s battery life.

*Be mindful of mobile phones: While mobile phones can be helpful, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of communication and navigation during a bushwalking trip.

Crews clear crash site on Midland Highway

December 23, 1.45pm: The scene of a two-car crash at Jericho has been cleared with no life-threatening injuries reported.

However, four people were taken by ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Police say they are investigating the crash on the intersection of Mudwalls Rd and the Midland Highway which happened about 1.20pm and caused significant traffic delays.

Earlier: Tasmania Police and emergency crews are responding to a multiple vehicle crash on a fast section of the Midland Highway.

Tasmania Police said they had received reports of the crash at the intersection of the Midland Highway and Mud Walls Road at Jericho.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area until the scene is cleared. At this stage details of injuries are not yet known.

The intersection has been the scene of numerous crashes over the years including a fatal collision in 2014 which killed one person and injured others.

Safe to swim: Health alert lifted in River Derwent.

December 22, 9pm: A warning against swimming in the River Derwent due to contaminated water has been removed, with health authorities on Sunday night lifting the alert on all locations except for the western end of Bellerive Beach.

The warning against swimming had been in place since early Friday due to a sewage spill near Berriedale.

Nutgrove Beach at Sandy Bay. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

In a statement, Public Health said the earlier warning followed a process failure at a TasWater sewage treatment plant, which led to incompletely treated effluent entering the river.

Water samples collected by councils have shown that water quality at the following monitored beaches is now safe for recreational activities, including swimming.

These are Nutgrove Beach in Sandy Bay, Long Beach in Sandy Bay, Howrah Beach, Little Howrah Beach and Windermere Beach in Glenorchy.

However, testing identified a localised water quality issue at the western end of Bellerive Beach, which is now subject to further investigation.

Health advice remains to avoid swimming at this location until further notice.

Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch, confirmed that water quality testing results indicate it is now safe to resume recreational activities in the river.

“I am pleased to confirm that the water in the River Derwent is safe levels for recreational activities at all locations except the western end of Bellerive Beach,” Dr Veitch said on Sunday.

“This is great news for the Tasmanian community as we head into warmer weather and the holiday season.”

While the test results give the all-clear on contamination from the treatment plant, Dr Veitch reminded the community of longstanding advice to wait at least two days after heavy rain before swimming at urban beaches, and to avoid swimming near stormwater outlets.

Woman killed in single vehicle crash in North-East Tasmania

December 22, 8am: A woman has died in a single vehicle crash in Tasmania’s North East.

Police say the 66-year-old passenger died at the scene of the crash on the Tasman Highway at Tonganah, near Scottsdale about 3.20pm on Saturday.

A police spokesman said Initial inquires showed a silver Honda Accord was travelling east on the Tasman Highway when the vehicle has left the road coming to rest in a ditch.

The female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and the male driver, aged in his 60s, and only other occupant of the vehicle was taken to the Launceston General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage is asked to contact Northern Crash Investigation Services on 131 444.

Police said their thoughts were with the woman’s family and loved ones.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Serious vehicle crash on Tasman Highway in North-East

December 21, 4.15pm: A section of the Tasman Highway in the state’s North-East is expected to be closed for hours while investigations take place following a serious crash, police say.

The incident occurred near Jensens Rd Tonganah, which has blocked access between Scottsdale and Ringarooma.

Traffic diversions are in place with police and SES controlling the diversions.

Police request anyone travelling or intending to travel on the Tasman Hwy in that vicinity to avoid the area and take alternative routes.

Destructive blaze likely caused by child playing with matches

10.50am: Fire investigators suspect a blaze that destroyed a detached garage, family car and damaged a nearby house was likely started by a young child playing with matches.

Several crews responded to the incident at Midway Point on Thursday afternoon — where occupants escaped without injuries.

The blaze was quickly extinguished, however damage was already done.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental.

“While the fire destroyed some of the occupants’ belongings, the outcome could have been far more tragic,” Acting District Officer Adam Salter said.

“This incident shows just how important it is to ensure matches and lighters are stored out of the reach and sight of children.

“It is also a reminder to Tasmanians to have working smoke alarms fitted and to have a family escape plan that is discussed regularly with the whole family.

“Tasmania Fire Service has a website with fire safety information and resources aimed at children and their families.

“We encourage all Tasmanian families to check it out to learn about fire safety in a fun and engaging way.”

Four suspects charged over alleged early morning burglary

December 20, 10.30am: Court proceedings are underway after an alleged aggravated robbery at a Liverpool St business on Thursday morning.

Police say Hobart CIB detectives charged two men and two teenage boys from the Hobart area over the incident.

It’s alleged the group entered the store and demanded money from the attendant.

Officers suspect they left with a quantity of cash.

Police confirmed no one was injured during the incident and no weapon was involved.

The group were arrested by police later in the morning in the Rosny area, officers say.

A teenager and adult have since been bailed to appear in court in January.

Another teenager and adult have been held in custody and were set to appear in court on Friday morning.

Elsewhere, police continue to investigate a serious motorbike crash at George Town on Thursday evening.

The rider — a 47-year-old man — was seriously injured from the crash and was flown to Launceston General Hospital.

Police are appealing to the public for information on anyone who saw the motorbike or crash on Bridport Rd around 6.15pm.

Crews work to contain house fire at Midway Point

3pm: Fire fighters are responding to a house fire at Midway Point.

Crews responding to triple-0 calls arrived to the Heron Crescent home that was fully ablaze.

The extent of the damage is unknown, with fire fighters still working to contain the damage.

It is unclear whether the fire is threatening the nearby homes.

Investigations into parcel thefts in Battery Point

10.30am: Officers allege a teenager was found in possession of two parcels believed to be stolen from the Battery Point area.

The teenagers has been arrested, with no charges laid at this stage of the investigation.

Officers believe a man was also involved — reporting police are hunting him down after he fled the scene.

Police are seeking any information of CCTV of suspicious people or activity to assist with ongoing investigations.

They believe the incident occurred in the Marieville Esplanade to Waterloo Crescent areas of Battery Point between 2pm and 3pm on Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Officers urged Tasmanians to take extra precautions to keep your home and deliveries secure as the holiday season approaches.

They recommend to reduce the risk of theft:

*If you’re shopping online, have parcels delivered to a safe and secure location.

*Avoid leaving parcels on doorsteps or in unlocked mailboxes.

*Keep gifts away from windows where they can be seen from the street.

*Crush packaging from valuable items and dispose of them securely – don’t leave boxes outside your door or beside your bins.

*Always lock all doors and windows when leaving your home.

*If you notice anything suspicious, report it to police.

P-plater caught over limit after tip-off: Police

9.45am: A 22-year-old has been banned from driving for 12 months — and is set to appear in court — after failing a breatho, police say.

Police said a tip-off from a concerned observer led to officers intercepting the woman around 6.10pm on Swan St, Newnham in the state’s North.

Officers allege she returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.319; six times above the legal limit for full licence holders.

Police have since urged motorists to remember drink or drug driving increases the risk of killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else in a crash.

“Inexperience combined with high drink driving could have had a devastating outcome,” a spokesperson said.

Man allegedly armed with hammer injures shoppers in Howrah

9am: Police have laid charges following an alleged hammer attack in Howrah.

A 23-year-old man from Clarendon Vale is facing multiple charges relating to the shopping centre incident.

It includes armed robbery, aggravated assault and stealing.

The young man is set to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later this morning.

Update December 19, 8am: Police have arrested a man in his 20s in relation to the alleged attempted armed robbery in Howrah on Wednesday afternoon.

It is understood no charges have been laid at this stage.

4.27pm: A man allegedly armed with a hammer has threatened and injured shoppers in Howrah on Wednesday afternoon.

Tasmania Police are investigating what they believe to be an attempted armed robbery at a shopping centre store before 3.30pm.

Police said a man allegedly armed with a hammer entered the store and “made threats to staff members”.

A staff member and a member of the public received minor injuries during the incident.

Police confirmed the hammer had been seized but have not laid any charges relating to the incident.

Anyone with information who has not already spoken to police is asked to call 131 444 and quote ESCAD 240-18122024.

Police allege discharged firearm a ‘targeted incident’

December 18, 10.45am: Police are investigating an overnight firearm incident in Lutana where a vehicle was shot at from a residence.

Tasmania Police responded to reports of a gunshot in Derwent Park Road at 7.55pm on Tuesday, with police alleging a firearm was discharged from a residence towards a vehicle.

While no injuries were sustained in the incident, Glenorchy Criminal Investigation Branch Inspector Mark Burke said initial investigations indicated both people inside the resident and vehicle were known to each other.

“Police investigations are ongoing to locate the offender/s involved,” he said.

“Investigations indicate this was a targeted incident between people known to each other.”

“Every alleged firearms incident is a concern for the community and police, and I urge anyone with information in relation to this incident, or firearms in our community, to come forward.”

Information can be provided to Glenorchy CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Police confirm a man has died bushwalking Cradle Mountain on Christmas Day