Serious crash in Targa Tasmania rally Day 5 on Lyell Highway

The Targa Tasmania driver killed after his car rolled in a crash this morning has been named, with event officials saying it was “a very sad time” for the Targa community. LATEST >>

The driver killed in a crash on the Mt Arrowsmith stage of Targa Tasmania this morning has been revealed as a 68-year-old driver from New South Wales.

Targa Tasmania officials confirmed Shane Navin’s 1979 Mazda RX-7 rolled 35.4km into the stage about 10am.

Medical teams immediately went to the scene but were unable to revive the driver.

Mr Navi’s co-driver Glenn Evans was assessed by the medical crew and has no injuries.

Targa Australia CEO, Mark Perry, said: “This is a very sad time for the Targa community. Shane was a much-loved and admired member of our Targa family. We send our heartfelt condolences to Shane’s family and friends on their loss.”

Shane Navin’s 1979 Mazda RX-7 is loaded on to the back of a truck after the fatal crash. Picture: supplied

Tasmania Police Inspector Gary Williams said Mr Navin’s car rolled and ended up in a culvert after he lost control on a right-hand bend.

The cause of the crash is still being investigated and police have not yet determined at what speed the vehicle was travelling before it rolled.

“Any death on Tasmanian roads is tragic for family, those who attend the accident scene and those impacted more widely,” Insp Williams said.

“The Lyell Highway is a challenging road. It is elevated and windy.

“Anyone driving, even experienced drivers, are undertaking a serious task and the consequences of mistakes can be tragic.”

Tasmania Police have set up a road block on the Lyell Highway at Nelson River. Photo: James Bresnehan

Tasmania Police said their thoughts were with Mr Navin’s family and his loved ones at this difficult time.

“Mr Navin and his front-seat passenger were taking part in the Targa event in a 1979 red Mazda RX7,” a police spokesperson said.

“The crash is being investigated by police. The road remains blocked for south-bound motorists.

“Motorists are asked to avoid the area or anticipate delays until the scene is cleared.”

EARLIER:

A person is believed to have been killed on Day 5 of the Targa Tasmania rally.

Tasmania Police earlier reported that emergency services were attending a serious single vehicle crash on the Lyell Highway near Dubbil Barril in central Tasmania.

Reports are the crash happened on the second half of Mount Arrowsmith in the longest stage of the rally, with wet conditions at the time.

The Mercury understands the crash is a fatality.

LATEST LOCAL NEWS:

• Man dies in orchard crash in Huon Valley
• Sick baby’s agonising 27-hour wait in jammed ED
• Oates sentence ‘not to put a value on’ Jari’s life

Tasmania Police has set up a roadblock at Nelson River, with Queenstown fire brigade and SES crews also on the scene.

Police advise the highway will likely be blocked for several hours.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area or expect delays until the scene is cleared.

Targa Tasmania issued a statement a short time ago, saying:

“Targa Tasmania confirms there has been a serious accident on the Mt Arrowsmith Stage and Police have closed the road and are in attendance at the scene.

Further details will be released when they become available.”

Tasmania Police are yet to formally confirm the fatality, but it would be the third fatal in Targa Tasmania’s history, with the last one occurring in 2013.

John Mansell died when he crashed while driving at about 200km/h on the first stage of the 2013 Targa Tasmania near Deloraine in the state’s North.

Mansell, 71, of Newcastle, but originally from Launceston, was driving a Porsche Cayman S.