Tasmania breaking news: Driver dead after early morning crash

A motorist has died after an early morning crash near Port Huon. Here’s the latest.

Police generic. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

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.

Driver dead after early morning crash

Updated: Police will investigate whether speed, alcohol or fatigue contributed to a fatal crash on the Huon Highway on the morning after the Grand Final.

The single vehicle crash, near Port Huon, claimed the life of a 51-year-old man from southern Tasmania.

The man, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, tragically died at the scene of the incident.

Tasmania Police inspector John Pratt said police arrived about 4am, and found the vehicle on its side, against a tree.

“Initial indications are that the car was travelling north when it left the road and [crashed into] a tree,” he said.

“At this stage it’s too early to give a cause for the crash, however things like speed, alcohol, fatigue, drugs will all be considered.”

Inspector Pratt said traffic conditions were “very slow and very light” at the time of the crash.

“It’s in an 80km speed zone, I’m informed the condition of the road is quite good, it was damp at the time,” he said.

“It’s a tragic way to start the school holidays, any death on Tasmanian roads is a tragedy and especially following on from the double fatality that we unfortunately had on Friday.”

It was the only road fatality on Grand Final night, but authorities were kept busy yesterday evening with several other incidents.

“Traditionally Grand Final night is a particularly busy night for police, in fact it rivals New Year’s Eve,” Inspector Pratt said.

“Last night between 4pm yesterday and 8am this morning, police attended 420 jobs around the state about 220 of those being in the south of the state.

“On the whole Tasmania Police are pretty happy with how people celebrated the Grand Final, there were about 20 people arrested for offences like exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit.”

Earlier: A motorist has died after an early morning crash near Port Huon in the early hours of this morning.

Police were called to the scene of the single vehicle crash about 4am.

“Initial inquiries indicate the driver was travelling on the Huon Highway near Castle Forbes Bay, when the vehicle left the road and went down an embankment,” Tasmania Police inspector John Pratt said.

Tasmania Police inspector John Pratt. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“Anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage, is asked to contact police on 131 444.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

More to come.

Fire threatens historic Campbell Town house

September 28, 10.30am: Campbell Town and Ross brigades are responding to reports of a fire at Baskerville Hall, Macquarie Rd, Campbell Town.

Crews said they arrived to find a blaze in the roof space and one room was totally destroyed.

Woman tragically dies after bus fire

12pm: Tragically, a woman has been found dead located inside a burnt out bus at Mowbray this morning, police have confirmed.

Officers said they were alerted to a blaze on private property on Vermont Rd just before 9am on Friday.

Fire crews from Launceston and Ravenswood arrived and contained the fire.

“Sadly, a body was located inside the vehicle shortly after,” police spokesperson said.

Investigators will be conducting an examination of the fire scene to determine the cause of the incident.

Police said a formal identification of the woman would be conducted and a report prepared for the Coroner.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the woman’s family and loved ones.”

Police seize $40k worth of power tools believed to be stolen

9.30am: Police believe property seized in a targeted operation at Newstead is connected to a spate of recent motor vehicle burglaries.

Officers report a significant quantity of power tools and trade equipment, estimated at $40,000, was seized by members of the Launceston Uniform in a shed on Thursday.

Police said it was part of an ongoing investigation into recent motor vehicle burglaries and investigations were continuing.

They used the opportunity to remind owners to ensure their vehicles and valuables were secure at all times.

Police have urged anyone who has had tools or equipment stolen recently to report it to police.

Officers also said owners should mark power tools with identifying feature to deter thieves and help police return property.

Anyone with information relating to the burglaries or who has been offered cheap tools is urged to contact police.

Allegations two men hid firearms in cars travelling on the Spirit

September 27: Two southern Tasmanian men have been charged with trafficking in firearms allegedly concealed and transported on the Spirit of Tasmania.

Tasmania Police have pressed charges this week on a 28-year-old man from Claremont and a 38-year-old man from Lutana as part of an ongoing joint investigation Operation Country.

Operation Country is a task force focused on the illicit firearm and drug-related crime affecting Tasmania, involving both Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police.

Police allege the men were involved in organising and transporting several firearms concealed in a vehicle from Devonport to Geelong on the Spirit of Tasmania in June this year.

However, investigations are continuing into this matter as police believe other people had direct involvement with the trafficking of these firearms.

Commonwealth charges of trafficking in firearms hold a minimum mandatory sentence of five years of imprisonment if convicted.

Anyone with information about drug or firearms trafficking can contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Charges laid over attempted forcible abduction of teenager

8.30am: A teenager has assisted police with investigations after an alleged attempted at a forcible abduction at Queens Domain last night.

Police report charging a 60-year-old man following the incident involving the youth.

Detective Sergeant Sam Storer said officers responded quickly to reports of a man allegedly attempting to force the youth into a vehicle shortly after 8pm.

“The youth … provided a detailed version of events including the man’s number plate,” Detective Sergeant Storer said.

The alleged victim was not physically harmed.

The detective sergeant said police located and arrested the man a short time after the report.

The 60-year-old was charged and is expected to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later today.

Originally published as Tasmania breaking news: Driver dead after early morning crash