Gagebrook teenager and five others injured in car and truck crash

Two teenagers and five children under 13 have been involved in a horror crash between three cars and a petrol tanker in the state’s north. This is how police believe the shocking smash unfolded.

A TEENAGER is in a critical condition and five others were injured in a horror crash on Friday night in the state’s north.

A 17-year-old from Gagebrook was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital while five others received non-life threatening injuries in the four-vehicle crash on the Bass Highway near Westbury about 8pm.

Crash on the Bass Highway near Westbury in northern Tasmania. Picture: 7 Tasmania

Police believe the teen and another 17-year-old man from Hobart were travelling eastbound in a blue 2002 Holden Commodore on the incorrect side of a straight section of road when it collided initially with a Toyota Land Cruiser wagon with a family of six – including four children aged under 12 – from Caveside on-board.

The ute then struck the side of an empty semi-trailer fuel tanker travelling west before spearing head-on into a Mazda CX-5 being driven west by a 35-year-old Deloraine woman accompanied by her 12-year-old son.

The final impact with the Mazda resulted in the Gagebrook teen, the passenger of the ute, being thrown from the vehicle.

He suffered critical injuries and after being taken to the Launceston General Hospital, was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital for surgery.

Crash on the Bass Highway near Westbury in northern Tasmania. Picture: 7 Tasmania

The driver of the ute was taken to the Launceston General Hospital with less serious injuries along with the driver of the Mazda who was suffering abdominal pain.

All children escaped injury along with the truck driver.

Initial investigations suggest the passenger of the ute was not wearing a seatbelt.

The highway was closed for almost six hours while emergency services were at the scene including the crash investigation, forensics, the Tasmania Fire Service and the State Emergency Service.

Police will return to the scene about 3pm on Saturday to continue their investigation and the highway will be closed for about 30 minutes.

Traffic diversions will be put in place at the following locations:

• On the eastern approach – Oaks Rd
• On the western side at Meander Valley Road

Motorists are asked to avoid the area.