Much loved mum, RDH worker victim of garbage truck tragedy

THE woman who was tragically killed when a garbage truck veered into oncoming traffic has been remembered as a ‘well-loved’ and ‘highly respected’ friend and colleague

Humpty Doo mother Trish Bartlett, 51, was one of two Top End residents killed within 20 minutes of each other in separate crashes. Picture: Supplied

THE woman who was tragically killed when a garbage truck veered into oncoming traffic has been remembered as a “well-loved” and “highly respected” friend and colleague.

Humpty Doo mother Trish Bartlett, 51, was one of two Top End residents killed within 20 minutes of each other in separate incidents late on Tuesday afternoon.

A Health Department statement said Ms Bartlett was a much-loved employee.

“The person was a long-term staff member of Royal Darwin Hospital, well-loved and highly respected,” it said.

“Friends and colleagues are deeply shocked. The Top End Health Service wish to convey their heartfelt condolences to the family and support them at this very difficult time.”

Ms Bartlett was killed when a Cleanaway rubbish truck crossed into oncoming traffic after being involved in a multi-vehicle crash in its own lane.

A police officer at the scene of the fatal crash on Tuesday evening. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Ms Bartlett died at the scene.

Major crash unit detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said it appeared the truck was heading to Shoal Bay tip on an inbound lane.

“A laden Cleanaway truck heading inbound on McMillans Rd has crashed into two vehicles, then travelled into the other lane colliding with another woman,” he said.

“The investigation into that crash is in its early stages.

“The Cleanaway truck driver was on his way to the dump and, for whatever reason, we are investigating why he hasn’t braked at that time.”

He said everyone involved in the crash had returned negative reading to drugs and alcohol. McMillans Rd remained closed overnight Tuesday after the crash, reopening at midday on Wednesday.

In a separate incident a 52-year-old man died at Royal Darwin Hospital after crashing into a light pole on Priest Circuit, Gray.

Sen-Sgt Lindner said the man had been riding a dirt motorbike in the area for 20 minutes or so before the crash.

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He said the man was unlicensed, but the bike was registered and he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Police have not yet determined if speed, alcohol or drugs were a factor.

Sen-Sgt Linder thanked the public at both crash sites for helping the victims.

“All fatalities on our roads are tragic, and we just urge motorists to take care on our roads, particularly during peak-hour traffic,” he said.

“One error by a person can quickly result in a fatality and have life-changing consequences for all involved.”

Police are appealing for anyone who may have dash-cam footage or saw either crash to contact police.