Scott Morrison’s ‘feared the worst’ when security detail was rushed to hospital after car accident

Scott Morrison says he “feared the worst” after four members of his security detail were rushed to hospital following a horror smash in Tasmania.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he “feared the worst” yesterday when the security car trailing behind him in Tasmania was involved in a crash.

Mr Morrison briefly spoke to reporters after an Easter Friday service at Syndal Baptist Church, in the marginal Victorian electorate Chisholm this morning.

“I want to thank everybody for the very kind messages they have sent in relation to the four officers who were hurt yesterday in a terrible car accident,” said Mr Morrison said.

“It was a terrible accident, and a reminder that we’ve got to be safe on our roads as we’re moving around. But you know, I do want to thank everybody for their kind messages.

“They’re making a good recovery.”

He said the accident had happened “right behind us”, and went on to thank hospital staff and the first responders, who arrived at the scene “incredibly quickly”.

“We obviously feared for the worst. But thankfully, thankfully, everybody is okay, and obviously in good care.”

Campaigning has been cancelled after the accident. Picture: Jason Edwards

One of the two AFP officers involved in the accident has now been discharged.

The second AFP officer sustained more serious injuries and is receiving further treatment and will be staying in hospital.

Mr Morrison has spoken to both of the AFP officers and their families and is also seeking to speak to the two Tasmanian officers, who have both been discharged from hospital.

The Prime Minister also passed on his thanks and support for the officers, and passed on support from Jenny.

Four members of Mr Morrison’s security detail were rushed to hospital on Thursday afternoon after a smash in Tasmania.

The car was following the Prime Minister on the way to a campaign event before it crashed with another car and rolled off the road just outside of Elizabeth Town in northern Tasmania.

Pictures show the car flipped on its side while officers lay on the ground being tended to by emergency services.

Two Tasmanian police officers and two Federal Police officers were conscious and taken to hospital to be assessed for non-life-threatening injuries.

A second car was involved in the accident, but the driver was uninjured.

An investigation into what caused the incident is ongoing, but Tasmanian police said in a statement that initial inquiries indicated the second car hit the rear of the unmarked police car while attempting to merge.

Mr Morrison was not involved in the crash.

Police say four officers are being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Picture: Jason Edwards

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister said family members of the officers had been contacted and were being kept informed of their condition.

“The PM is always extremely grateful for the protection provided by his security team and extends his best wishes for their recovery and to their families,” they said.

Campaign events for the remainder of the day have been cancelled.

Responding to the incident on Sky News, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said it was a “great relief” that the officers were conscious when taken for treatment.

He paid tribute to the “brave individuals … working in the service of our nation”.

“The fact in this case that there doesn’t appear to be any serious injuries, that’s a great relief,” he said.

“We hope for speedy recoveries for all involved.”

Opposition frontbencher Stephen Jones said the entire Labor team sent their best regards to the officers involved.

“I know the entire Labor team, from Anthony Albanese, Richard Marles and everyone down, wants to extend our wishes, best regards and hope for a safe and speedy recovery,” he told Sky News.

“(The crash) looks horrific.

“I am pleased campaigning has been called off for the day. All efforts should be going into ensuring these families and these officers are supported.”