Fatal house fire at Bicheno sadly kills man in early morning blaze

Sadly, officers found a man’s body inside a home that was destroyed by an early morning fire on the state’s East Coast. The latest.

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Man dies after house fire at Bicheno

11.45am: Tasmania Police confirm a 66-year-old man has died after a house fire at Bicheno overnight.

Emergency services were reportedly called to Beattie Ave at Bicheno about 1.15am, responding to reports of a house fire.

Tasmania Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Jeremy Smith said crews from Bicheno, Coles Bay and Swansea brigades attended the blaze, where they discovered the house well alight.

“Unfortunately, I’ve been informed that there was a fatality at a fire at Bicheno overnight,” he told media on Saturday morning.

“We’re just commencing the investigation side to determine the cause and assist police with their investigations as well.

“I’d like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the individual that has passed away.”

A Tasmania Police spokesperson said the blaze was contained but the house and vehicle at the property were destroyed. The damage has been estimated at $600,000.

Officers said sadly a body was found inside the home this morning.

Police said a formal identification had yet to be conducted, but believed the man lived at the property.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown with a fire scene examination underway.

A formal identification of the deceased and a report will be prepared for the Coroner, Tasmania Police confirmed.

Tasmania Police Detective Inspector Kelly Taylor confirmed the next of kin had been notified.

She said early investigations indicted the fire wasn’t deliberately lit, however further inquiries were still pending.

Walker, 48, rescued after finding phone service

Updated: 1.55pm: The missing walker was found safe and well at Mount Roland Reserve area after he managed to find phone service to contact police.

Peter Rogers had lost contact with friends and family on Thursday after sending a photo of himself atop Mount Claud that evening.

Police say he was winched to safety.

Peter Rogers. 48-year-old rescued in the Mount Roland Reserve area after last contact on Thursday. Picture: Tasmania Police

Inspector Adam Spencer praised the rescue, saying the walker had gone off track and encountered steep, dangerous terrain.

“He was well-prepared for a day walk, but found himself in trouble after travelling off track,” he said.

“It is a good reminder for walkers to always stay on defined tracks, and prepare for emergencies. Always ensure you have communicated your planned track and expected timings with a friend or family member – and never deviate from that route.”

During the rescue, critical police resources were diverted, the Inspector said, after an emergency alert from the Black Bluff track was accidentally activated on a Personal Locator Beacon.

“While it was positive the second walker was not in actual distress, a PLB activation indicates an emergency, and we responded as if it were an emergency,” he said.

“This removed vital resources from another search.

“Thankfully, we had the result we did in both situations, but it is a good reminder to ensure you are storing and handling your PLB correctly.”

The Mt Roland Reserve walker was not physically injured.

Earlier 9.20am: A search effort is underway for a 48-year-old man in the Mount Roland Reserve area, south-west of Sheffield.

Reportedly, Peter Rogers, described as being a larger build and 6ft tall, has not returned from a planned walk he commenced on Thursday.

Officers believe Peter Rogers hasn’t been seen or heard from by relatives or family since sending a photo of himself atop Mount Claud at 7pm on Thursday, November 7.

Mount Roland in Sheffield. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

He was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved shirt with a blue brimmed hat with sun protection on the back.

Police said his motorcycle was located in a carpark near the beginning of one of the trails leading into the mountains.

Anyone who encounters Peter or any items of interest is urged to contact Devonport Police Station on 6478 4011.

Triple Top Mountain Run event is scheduled for the area on Sunday, and Tasmania Police say they’re liaising with the event organisers. Participants are set to be notified if there’s any changes or impacts to the event.

Man, 21, rescued after becoming stranded on rocks

November 9: A 21-year-old reportedly became stranded on rocks at Dodges Ferry on Friday afternoon due to the rising high tide.

Tasmania Police say the man reported the incident about 4.30pm.

Officers say local police were unable to access the man and continued to communicate with him by phone.

Rescue of swimmer, 21, from Dodges Ferry near Carlton Beach after becoming stranded. Picture: Tasmania Police

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Sea Rescue Dodges Ferry vessel were then both used to assist the rescue operation.

Police said the man was found approximately 500m from Carlton Beach.

A rescue paramedic was winched to his location, and he was taken to safety, police said.

The man was not physically injured and required no further medical treatment.

Drones, helicopter used in wild chase

November 7, 6pm: Two men have been taken into custody after allegedly leading police in a wild ride across Hobart’s Eastern Shore on Thursday.

Police say the driver of a white Mitsubishi Outlander allegedly evaded police about 3pm on South Arm Rd, Rokeby.

Police say the vehicle then drove dangerously and continued to evade police across the Eastern Shore.

Significant police resources were deployed to the incident and two men – a 31-year-old from Rokeby, and a 27-year-old from Granton were taken into custody shortly before 4pm.

“The vehicle reportedly crashed into another vehicle while evading police, and a member of the public was taken to hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries,” police said in a statement.

A police vehicle was also damaged in the incident.

Police are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage of the car being driven dangerously in the Gagebrook and Lindisfarne areas between 11am and 4pm to contact them on 131 444.

The incident followed an earlier evade matter that occurred on Lockhart St, Gagebrook about 11am.

The driver of the evading vehicle then allegedly fled on foot, and police resources, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and drones, were deployed to the area.

Investigations are underway to determine whether the two incidents are linked.

Man charged after child allegedly strangled

10.25am: Strangulation charges have been laid after an injured child was admitted to the Launceston General Hospital’s emergency department.

Police report attending the hospital on Wednesday afternoon where the child was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

A 29-year-old Mayfield man has since been charged.

He has been detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon.

Teen allegedly damaged four Metro buses in Bridgewater

November 7: Tasmania police believe a 14-year-old damaged four Metro buses in Bridgewater across two days.

Police allege the incidents took place over October 17 and 18.

Officers say the teenager will be proceeded against.

A spokesperson said Tasmania Police had dedicated officers who worked closely with Metro Tasmania to identify anti-social behaviour.

“ … and will continue to detect and investigate those responsible for causing damage to Metro buses,” they said.

Anyone who witnesses anti-social or illegal behaviours is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers.

Several caught drink-driving in state’s North West

Police have expressed disappointment after several people were caught and charged with a number of traffic offences over the weekend – including a man who blew almost five-times over the legal alcohol limit.

Police said the drivers were caught drink and drug driving, speeding, not wearing seat belts, using mobile phones illegally and driving without a licence in the North West.

Inspector Adam Spencer from Western Road Policing Services said police were upfront that officers would be out in force over the long weekend.

“We were out and about in rural and popular tourist areas as we said we would be,” he said.

“This included a major police operation in the Smithton and Arthur River areas, and the results were very disappointing.”

“Between Queenstown, Smithton, Devonport and Burnie, our police issued 24 infringement notices.”

“Police will again be out in force as the long weekend continues today, you can expect to see us again on highways, urban and rural roads.”

“Please do the right thing and obey the road rules so everyone can get home safely.”

Results included:

28-YEAR-OLD MAN intercepted in Devonport and returned a reading of 0.243, almost five times the legal limit. Disqualified from driving and will appear in court.

40-YEAR-OLD BURNIE WOMAN intercepted following reports she was driving under the influence after leaving a licensed premises. Returned a reading of 0.178. Disqualified from driving and will appear in court.

66-YEAR-OLD MONTAGU MAN caught drink driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Disqualified from driving and will appear in court.

60-YEAR-OLD BOAT HARBOUR MAN returned a positive drug test and quantities of a controlled substance were located in his vehicle. He will be summoned to court.

26-YEAR-OLD DEVONPORT MAN caught hooning. He was arrested and charged and the vehicle was clamped.

33-YEAR-OLD DEVONPORT WOMAN caught driving disqualified. Will appear in court.

43-YEAR-OLD IRISH TOWN MAN detected speeding 32km/h over the posted limit on Blackwater Road, West Coast. Given five demerit points and a $606 fine.

59-YEAR-OLD PORT SORELL MAN detected speeding 33km/h over the posted limit on Backline Road, Forest. Given five demerit points and a $606 fine.

Teenager flown to hospital after trail bike crash

Sunday November 3: A 16-year-old male rider has received serious injuries after being involved in a trail bike crash at Four Mile Beach on the state’s West Coast.

Emergency services, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, responded to the incident about 1.30pm and transferred the rider to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment.

Initial investigations indicate the rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Investigations into the crash are continuing.

Anyone with information should call Police on 131444.

Man killed in head-on truck crash

Update 2.30pm: A man has died following a head-on truck crash at Elizabeth Town in the state’s North.

Police and emergency services were called to scene at 7.30am, involving two trucks at the intersection of the Bass Highway and Bengeo Rd.

Acting Inspector Aleena Crack said the driver and sole occupant of one of the vehicles, died at the scene.

The male driver of the other vehicle was transported to the Launceston General Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

“The circumstances leading up to the crash are being investigated by police and a report will be prepared for the coroner,” Acting Inspector Crack said.

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

“Our thoughts are with everyone involved.”

One critical in Elizabeth Town crash

November 3, 11.30am: One person has been critically injured in a head-on truck crash at Elizabeth Town in the state’s North.

Police and emergency services were called the scene about 7.30am and the Bass Highway remains closed. It is understood two trucks were involved in the head-on crash.

Police remain on scene and traffic diversions are in place at Railton Rd and at Bengeo Rd. Motorists are advised to allow extra time if travelling along this section of the Bass Highway.

Arson charges laid after fire destroys house

October 31, 10.45am: Police have charged a 68-year-old Sheffield woman with arson.

Officers allege she deliberately sparked a blaze that significantly damaged a home at Red Hills on Monday.

Emergency services were called to the residence on Montana Rd about 10.30am after reports of a house fire, police say.

Multiple Tasmania Fire Crews attended and contained the blaze.

Police allege a fire investigation determined the fire was deliberately lit.

Following Launceston CIB investigations, the woman was arrested and charged. She has since been bailed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.