Burnie man killed in road crash after wife fell asleep at wheel, says Tasmanian coroner

A single-vehicle fatality which claimed the life of a 70-year-old Burnie man on the Bass Hwy in September 2023 occurred after his wife fell asleep at the wheel, a Tasmanian coroner has found.

A single-vehicle fatality which claimed the life of a 70-year-old Burnie man on the Bass Hwy in September 2023 occurred after his wife fell asleep at the wheel, a Tasmanian coroner has found. Picture: PATRICK GEE

A single-vehicle fatality which claimed the life of a 70-year-old Burnie man on the Bass Hwy in September 2023 occurred after his wife fell asleep at the wheel, a Tasmanian coroner has found.

Coroner Simon Cooper said Mr Twining had been returning home from a visit to Hobart with his wife, Marlene, when the couple swapped driving duties at Campbelltown.

After an otherwise uneventful journey to Devonport, tragedy struck when the Twining’s RAV4 left the highway, rolled onto its side, and collided with a large rock.

Coroner Cooper said Mr Twining – who had been asleep in the front passenger seat immediately before the crash – suffered severe chest injuries and died at the scene.

“After smashing into the rock, the RAV4 caught fire, and Mr and Mrs Twining were both trapped in the cabin of the vehicle,” the coroner said.

“The fire was quickly extinguished by several members of the public who then assisted Mr and Mrs Twining before the arrival of police and emergency services.”

A subsequent autopsy revealed Mr Twining had suffered multiple rib fractures in the crash, as well as a diaphragm rupture, abdominal wall hernia, and broken facial bones.

Forensic samples taken both from Mr Twining and Mrs Twining indicated alcohol had not been a factor.

Coroner Cooper said Mrs Twining had been unable to provide police with any explanation as to why the roadworthy vehicle had left the highway, which occurred on a day when the weather was fine, clear, and sunny.

No charges were laid over the crash.

Mr Cooper said he was satisfied excessive speed was not a factor, and that there was no evidence suggesting Mrs Twining was distracted by the use of her mobile phone.

“In my view, having regard to the evidence as a whole, the most likely explanation for the happening of the crash in which Mr Twining died is that his wife fell asleep at the wheel,” he said.

“I note in her [police interview] she denied that was the case but to my mind there is no other rational explanation for what occurred.

“The conclusion is also consistent with the evidence of a witness at the scene whom Mrs Twining told she was tired.”

Originally published as Burnie man killed in road crash after wife fell asleep at wheel, says Tasmanian coroner