Man in 70s dead after two-car crash at Sorell Creek
A man in his 70s has died after a late-night two-car crash in the Derwent Valley. Here’s what we know.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
For the latest, follow The Beat, the Mercury’s live breaking news blog with the latest traffic, police, fire and ambulance news across the state.
Man dies after two-car crash in Derwent Valley
April 4, 7.40am: A man in his 70s has died following a two-car crash in the Derwent Valley overnight.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene around 9:15pm after reports of
a head-on crash on the Lyell Highway at Sorell Creek.
Police state the driver and sole occupant of one of the vehicles died at the scene, while the driver and four passengers of the second vehicle were uninjured.
Police believe the driver appears to have suffered a medical episode.
Police confirmed an investigation into the crash was ongoing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Anyone who witnessed, or has dash camera footage of a silver Great Wall Utility around the time of the crash, is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Information can be provided anonymously and quote TCRN: 25002254.
Search warrant uncovers four firearms and ammo
3.49pm: Police have uncovered four firearms – including a 3D printed pistol – in a raid on a northern Tasmanian home, with one man charged and due to face court.
A 23-year-old Mowbray man presented to the Launceston police Station on Thursday morning, following what police have called a “targeted search” of a related Mowbray property.
Police said members of the Northern Drug and Firearms Unit executed a search warrant and seized four firearms in total – a 3D printed pistol, a shortened rifle, an unregistered rifle, and a 12-gauge shotgun during a search of the home on Wednesday.
A silencer and quantities of illicit substances were also seized.
Police then charged the man with multiple firearms-related offences, including possessing a prohibited firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued, possessing a shortened firearm, and possessing a silencer.
He was also charged with recklessly discharging a firearm in relation to an incident on February 1 and wounding over an incident on January 19.
He will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
Elderly woman killed in single vehicle crash
April 3, 11am: Tragedy strikes in the state’s northwest after a woman in her 80s has died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash.
Emergency services responded to the Devonport incident, arriving to the scene on the Bass Highway about 6.30am on Thursday after reports of a vehicle rollover, police say.
Police confirmed a woman in her 80s, who was a passenger in the vehicle, died at the scene.
Officers said the driver had been taken to the North West Regional Hospital for treatment.
Police investigations into the crash are ongoing and a report is expected to be prepared for the coroner.
Second young person charged over Glenorchy murder
1.20pm: A teenager has been charged over the alleged murder of a 19-year-old at Glenorchy.
He is the second person charged regarding the incident, with police charging a 23-year-old Glenorchy man five days ago.
A 19-year-old was allegedly found unconscious and non-responsive by emergency services at Dickson St close to midnight on March 11.
He was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where he died on March 22.
Detective Acting Inspector Nicholas Bowden previously said the young man had allegedly received a stab wound to the head.
The 15-year-old was arrested on Tuesday night and is set to appear before the Youth Justice Court today.
Police officer charged with common assault
April 2, 12pm: A 28-year-old police officer is expected to appear in court as he faces two charged of common assault.
The Constable from the Southern District was served with a summons today.
Tasmania Police allege the offences occurred in Hobart last year on November 19.
It’s understood the Constable was on duty at the time of the alleged incident.
Tasmania Police said the man had been placed on non-operational duties.
Tasmania Police spokesperson said wouldn’t provide further comment, saying it was not appropriate with the matter now before the courts.
Person seriously injured after single vehicle crash
5.20pm: A man in his 60s has died after a single-vehicle crash at Orford on Sunday.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene on the Tasman Highway just before 12.45pm Sunday after reports a camper had left the road, and crashed into a tree.
“The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle sadly died at the scene,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.
“At this stage it is believed the man suffered a medical episode.
“Investigations into the crash are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
EARLIER, 1.20pm: Emergency services have rushed to a serious single vehicle crash on the Tasman Highway at Orford.
The incident has occurred between Brockley Rd and Paradise about 1pm.
Police reported one person was seriously injured.
Motorists have been asked to avoid the area while the scene is cleared.
Two injured in fire incident at camp site
12pm: Emergency services remain at the scene investigating what happened at a Latrobe campsite in the state’s northwest.
Tasmania Fire Service responded to reports of a fire at the Great Bend Rd facility just before 9am this morning.
Police say one person suffered serious burns and along with a second has been taken to the Launceston General Hospital.
Critically injured pedestrian flown to Melbourne
10am: A pedestrian is believed to be in a critical condition after being struck by a vehicle at Cooee Point Reserve, police say.
Emergency services responded to reports of the incident at Cooee Rd about midnight.
The seriously injured person was rushed to the North West Regional Hospital before they were flown to Melbourne in a critical condition.
Police believe the driver was a 17-year-old boy, who went to the Burnie Police Station a short time after the incident and is said to be helping police with their inquiries.
Officers say they continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash.
Spate of high-range drink drivers
March 30: Police report a spate of high-range drink drivers since Friday, including one who was allegedly involved in a two-vehicle crash at Kingston.
A 41-year-old Kingston man is accused of returning a blood alcohol reading of 0.255 — more than five times the legal alcohol limit — after a crash on the Channel Highway about 2pm on Saturday, officers allege.
They confirmed nobody was injured from the crash.
It’s understood members of the community assisted at the crash prior to the arrival of emergency services.
Elsewhere, three high-range drink drivers were caught in the North.
A NSW woman allegedly five times the legal alcohol limit was driving with two licenced and sober passengers at the time it was reported she was weaving across the road at on the Midland Hwy at Epping Forest.
Police say they took the woman to Longford Police Station for a breath test after intercepting her vehicle
The two others were reportedly caught in the early hours of Saturday by Launceston police.
A 31-year-old Ravenswood man was allegedly driving on Invermay Rd while being more than three times the legal limit, and a 25-year-old Ravenswood man was also accused of being nearly three times over the limit while driving in Launceston CBD.
Northern Road Policing Services Acting Sergeant Rockliff said driving while under the influence of alcohol, particularly such high levels, posed a serious risk not only to the drivers, but all other road users.
“We would like to thank the members of the public who reported the woman’s driving behaviour at Epping Forest,” he said.
“Anyone with information about dangerous driving should contact police on 131 444.”
Meanwhile in the northwest overnight, police believe a house fire to be suspicious.
Emergency services responded to reports of a fire at an East Devonport property around 10.20pm on Saturday night.
Specialist investigators are set to continue looking into the incident on Sunday.
Officers have urged anyone with information regarding the fire to come forward to police or Crime Stoppers.
Man faces court over seizure of loaded homemade firearms
March 29, 8.20am: A northeastern Tasmanian man will face court on Saturday following a police raid of a property uncovered five homemade firearms – four of which were loaded.
Police have charged a 33-year-old St Marys man with multiple firearms and drug-related offences, burglary and stealing after executing a search warrant on a private residence on Friday.
Police said officers from St Marys, members of the Dog Handler Unit and specialist police resources uncovered the five illegal firearms, along with a quantity of ammunition, and property believed to have been stolen during recent burglaries in the St Marys area.
Police stated the man has since been charged and detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Saturday.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
Man charged with murder after incident last week
4.05pm: A Glenorchy man has been charged with murder just a week after another man died in hospital.
Tasmania Police said the 23-year-old would face court on Friday night.
Police said that emergency services were called to a Dickson Street address in Glenorchy where they found a 19-year-old man unconscious and unresponsive.
The man was taken to hospital, but died on March 22.
The 23-year-old has been detained by police to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court.
Detective Acting Inspector Nicholas Bowden said investigations are continuing, and anyone with further information about the incident should contact police.
“Detectives are still particularly interested in anyone with information about a small four door sedan, possibly silver in colour, in the area of Dickson Street at the time,” he said.
“Any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage should also be provided to investigators.”
Information can be provided to direct to Glenorchy CIB on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania.
Teens to face court over Metro theft and bus damage
12.10pm: Three teens will face court after being charged for allegedly damaging Metro buses and assaulting a driver in early March.
Police said they had charged one 14-year-old boy and two 15-year-old boys following an investigation.
Police alleged the 14-year-old stole from a bus and assaulted its driver on March 13 and then stole a quantity of cash in Glenorchy on March 15.
Police also alleged that the two 15-year-olds damaged a bus in Gagebrook on March 19 and stealing $270 in property in another incident.
Tasmania Police Inspector Jason Klug said CCTV enabled police to quickly identify all the alleged offenders.
“The safety of Metro employees and community members on public transport is a priority for Tasmania Police,” he said.
“We work in partnership with Metro and have dedicated officers who proactively patrol and detect offending on buses and around key transport areas.
“The use of high quality CCTV on buses and in bus malls helps us to identify those engaging in illegal behaviours.”
Father-son rescued after fishing trip gone awry
10.55am: A Risdon Vale father and son out fishing were rescued by Tasmania Police after an hour and 45 minute-long search.
Police said the pair, a 43-year-old man and his 14-year-old son were flounder fishing at 11pm on Thursday in southern tasmania’s Pipe Clay Lagoon.
The pair then called emergency services for assistance when they became disoriented and entered “deep water several hundred metres from land”.
Tasmania Police Senior Constable Callum Herbert from police search and rescue said the pair were located by uniform officers at about 12.45am after support from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“They were pulled from the water by members from Marine and Rescue Services in a specialised shallow draught vessel,” he said.
“They were then taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where they were treated for hypothermia.
“The rescue of these two individuals is a timely reminder for any members of the public who undertake activities on the water.
“If the response had been delayed, the outcome in this case could have been disastrous.
“We urge you to be prepared, even in waters that seem calm or you are familiar with, always plan ahead by checking the weather forecast, ensuring you have appropriate safety equipment, including a working charged mobile phone.”
Teen charged with wounding after alleged night-time assault
March 28, 10.20am: A young male has been arrested following an alleged assault on a woman in the Launceston area.
Police said they charged a 15-year-old boy following an overnight incident at West Launceston around 6.15pm, where a woman received non-life-threatening injuries after being allegedly assaulted with a stick.
Police said an off-duty police officer had apprehended the youth, with the woman taken to the Launceston General Hospital for treatment.
The 15-year-old has been charged by police with wounding and was detained to appear in the
Youth Justice Division of the Launceston Magistrates Court later on Friday.
Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Man allegedly armed with knife accused of crashing stolen vehicle
UPDATE MARCH 27, 10AM: A man will face court this morning charged with attempted murder following incidents at Claremont, Dowsing Point and West Moonah.
In addition to an attempted murder charge, he is accused of arson, unlawfully setting fire to a property, common assault, doing an act resulting in the death of an animal, stealing, attempted motor vehicle stealing, motor vehicle stealing, evade police, dangerous driving and unlawfully injuring property.
He is set to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at 10am.
Yesterday, police said a car crashing into Hobart’s Qantas call centre and a man was allegedly armed with a sharp implement, first described as a knife and then an axe.
Police accused the man of stealing a car in Claremont and using that vehicle to crash into the call centre.
Officers also believe a house fire in West Moonah was connected.
UPDATE 12.30PM: Inspector Jason Klug told media at a press conference outside the Qantas and TPG call centre that the vehicle remained lodged inside the building, after an incident at a Claremont property and a fire at a West Moonah home he states may be linked.
“The vehicle was unlawfully obtained,” he said.
“The male was armed with a sharp implement that I would describe as an axe or sharpened implement.
“A female has received minor injuries as a result of the matter.”
The suspect was taken into custody at the scene.
Inspector Klug said there was also a female suspect at a Claremont property believed to be involved in the incidents and that she and the man involved were known to each other.
“There was an altercation between the male and female at Claremont as well as the scene at Dowsing Point,” he said.
“We have three scenes of concern at the moment; the Claremont property, a West Moonah house fire and the call centre.
“Police saw the suspect at the Claremont property after he left in a vehicle, but I’m told police lost sight of the individual approaching the Longreach Ave.”
UPDATE 11.30AM: Staff at a Hobart Qantas call centre have been evacuated from their workplace as a car crashed through the glass front doors.
A staff member said he heard a noise ‘like thunder’ before finding a car had crashed through the doors at around 10.30am this morning.
Qantas have confirmed one person was injured in the incident, who has been taken to hospital.
Police said the man was allegedly armed with a knife and acting erratically prior to crashing into the centre.
Crime scene tape cordoned off the front entrance to the property, with police and fire on the scene.
A Qantas spokesperson said the incident was “very distressing” for employees.
“The safety of our people is our priority and we are providing immediate support to those impacted,” the spokesperson said.
“Our Hobart contact centre is currently closed and we thank customers for their understanding.”
Calls are currently being redirected to other call centres.
March 26, 10.30am: A man who was allegedly armed with a knife was acting erratically before being accused of stealing a vehicle he then crashed into a building in a Hobart suburb.
Police said they first responded to reports of an armed man behaving erratically at Moreton Crescent, Claremont around 9.30am.
Officers allege he then stole a vehicle, drove into the Goodwood area where he then crashed into a building on Longreach Ave and entered the premises.
Police said they swarmed the scene within minutes and quickly took the man into custody.
The building was evacuated following the incident.
Emergency services are at the scene and people are asked to avoid the area.
Police believe there is no ongoing risk to the community.
Driver believed to have suffered medical episode dies after crash
March 25, 3.45pm: A man in his 50s is believed to have suffered a medical episode while driving has died, police confirm.
The incident on Marine Esplanade at Stanley resulted in the vehicle the man was driving crashing into another vehicle, which then struck a pedestrian.
Police said the pedestrian has suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and has been flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
The crash was first reported about 12.40pm, and police have asked for people to avoid the area until its cleared.
Plea for information on former officer facing child abuse charge
1.15pm: The specialist team investigating a former police officer facing a child abuse charge is urging the public to come forward with any potential information.
Dale Cook was charged with allegedly accessing child exploitation material and on February 26, a specialist team was announced to lead an investigation into the former officer.
Acting Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said they were looking into Cook’s entire career to determine whether he used his position as a police office to commit further crimes.
“The investigation has independent oversight by the Integrity Commission and is being run concurrently with the criminal case he is currently facing charges over,” Acting Commissioner Higgins said.
“We strongly encourage anyone with information to come forward, as every piece of information, no matter how small, can be key to the outcome of an investigation.”
Anyone with information is urged to come forward by May 5, 2025, however new details will be examined after this time, he said.
There are several ways information can be provided to investigators, including:
*Sending a direct email to the investigation team at cookinvestigation@police.tas.gov.au
*Submitting an online form which allows you the option or remaining anonymous, or providing your details if you are willing to be contacted.
*Submitting a report to the Tasmania Police Professional Standards online portal.
*If you would like to meet in person, contact the investigation team at cookinvestigation@police.tas.gov.au and they will arrange this at a time and place that ensures confidentiality.
“An important part of the investigation is also receiving any relevant information from people who have previously been in the workplace with Dale Cook, and our staff are being contacted to facilitate this.”
Vehicle search allegedly uncovers shortened semiautomatic rifle
March 24, 10.20am: A man is facing multiple charges after police allegedly seized a shortened semiautomatic rifle and a large amount of cash during a vehicle search at Westbury on Sunday.
Police said the vehicle allegedly dodged officer’s pursuit on Mary St before then finding it parked behind a Westbury business.
The driver — a 33-year-old Kings Meadows man — was drug tested and returned a positive result, police allege.
Officers allege the rifle, methylamphetamine, illegal stimulants, prescription drugs and more than $120k in cash was found following a search of the man’s vehicle, with the cash believed to be proceeds of crime.
The driver was charged with multiple firearm and drug-related offences, including possess prohibited firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued, possess shortened firearm, possess controlled drug and dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime.
He is set to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court today.
Originally published as Man in 70s dead after two-car crash at Sorell Creek
Tasmanian military veteran awarded top French honour
A Tasmanian Army Reserve veteran, who has served as national president of the RSL since 2019, has received a prestigious French honour for his role planning Anzac centenary commemorations.
‘Sacrifices of those who came before’: families honour Anzacs in Tassie services
‘Without him … I would not be here and many of you would not be here” Elizabeth College student Lachlan Monk spoke of his great grandfather’s “indomitable spirit” at Friday’s Hobart Dawn Service. Hear from the other families honouring the Anzac heroes.