One dead after New Town car crash in peak hour traffic

Tasmania Police are calling for anyone who witnessed the fatal crash between a van and a taxi on Risdon Road to contact them, after a 59-year-old local man died.

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UPDATE, 9.45PM:

Tasmania Police are calling for any witnesses to the fatal crash between a van and a taxi on Risdon Road in New Town on Tuesday afternoon.

A 59-year-old North Hobart man died after a two-vehicle crash on Risdon Road, New Town, 500 metres west of the Brooker Highway.

Police say the crash happened about 4.15pm when the driver of a 2014 white Toyota Hiace Van collided with the rear of 2012 white Toyota Camry taxi. At the time of the collision both vehicles were travelling in a westerly direction on Risdon Road.

After the collision, the driver of the taxi pulled the vehicle off to the left hand side of the road, with the Hiace continuing in a westerly direction crossing to the incorrect side of the road and hitting a concrete wall opposite Bell Street.

Members of the public came to the aid of the Hiace driver and provided first aid, however he died at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Fatal car collision in on Risdon Road, New Town.

Police said the taxi was being driven by a 32-year-old male from Claremont. At the time of the collision he had four passengers in the vehicle which included a two-year-old child.

The four passengers were taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for observation, but they sustained no significant injuries.

Police, Ambulance Tasmania, and the TFS all attended the scene.

Risdon Road was closed between Albert Road and Park Street for about five hours while Police Forensic and Crash Investigation Services investigated the scene.

“Initial investigations suggest the collision may have occurred following the driver of the Hiace suffering a medical condition” said Acting Sergeant Adam Hall of Crash Investigation Services.

“There is no indication that speed or the use of alcohol or illicit drugs were a contributing factor in the collision”.

Tasmania Police express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Anyone who observed the vehicles prior to the collision is asked to contact Acting Sergeant Adam Hall at Southern Crash Investigation Services on 6230 2111 or by contacting Crime Stoppers.

Fatal car collision in on Risdon Road, New Town.

UPDATE, 6PM:

A MAN has died following a crash at New Town this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Park St about 4.30pm after a male driver – who police believe suffered a medical episode – collided with a taxi before his vehicle struck overpass infrastructure.

Inspector Andrew Keane said the taxi driver was shaken but uninjured in the incident.

He described the crash as a tragedy.

“It’s always a tragedy when these events happen, not just for the family but for the attending emergency service workers,” he said.

“Early investigations suggest it’s more likely the driver died as a result of a medical condition, but a coronial report will determine what happened.”

The road was closed between Bell St and Risdon Rd for more than two hours following the crash.

Fatal car collision in on Risdon Road, New Town.

INITIAL, 5PM: A person has died after a crash in Park St, New Town this afternoon.

Preliminary investigations by Tasmania Police suggest the crash occurred after the person suffered a medical condition.

“Our thoughts are with the person’s family and loved ones at this difficult time,” a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

Police and emergency services remain on the scene of the crash on Park St near the Risdon Road intersection in New Town.

Police advise Park St remains closed between Bell St and Risdon Rd until further notice.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area until the scene is clear.

Fatal car collision in on Risdon Road, New Town.