Tasmania breaking news: Truck in water blocks Sorell causeway

Police and emergency services are on the scene of a single truck crash on the Tasman Highway, on the causeway between Sorell and Midway Point. LATEST >

Tasmania Police. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

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.

Truck blocks Sorell causeway

3.01pm Thursday: Police remain on the scene of a truck crash on the Tasman Highway between Sorell and Midway Point, where the vehicle ended up in the water.

A truck crashed into the water on the Tasman Highway on the causeway between Midway Point and Sorell, March 9, 2023. Photo: Judy Augustine

Tasmania Police advised at 3pm the truck had been extracted from the water and no serious injuries have been reported.

One lane of traffic is open with traffic management in place.

Motorists are asked to expect traffic delays until the scene is clear.

A truck crashed into the water on the Tasman Highway on the causeway between Midway Point and Sorell, March 9, 2023. Photo: Judy Augustine

Police Taskforce Viper nabs 100+ offenders

9.25am Thursday: Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Viper has seen 103 people charged with 430 serious offences including firearms and drug-related charges, carjacking, assault and burglary.

Inspector Nathan Johnston said they were “significant results” in Launceston that made the community safer by detecting and charging offenders.

“To combat crime and anti-social behaviour in Northern Tasmania, Taskforce Viper was established in January 2023 with a dedicated 6-member crew focused on detecting offenders and making the community safer,” Inspector Johnston said.

“In less than two months, the dedicated 6-member taskforce charged 103 people with 430 offences.”

Offences laid by Taskforce Viper include:

• Stealing x 78
• Drug related charges x 82
• Firearm related charges x 33
• Breach of Bail x 42
• Aggravated carjacking x 2
• Possession of stolen property x 18
• Motor Vehicle Stealing x 17
• Fraud x 10
• Burglary x 7
• Aggravated burglary (dwelling) x 7
• Assault x 9
• Offences against police x 24
• Disqualified / Suspended Driver x 18
• Unlicensed Driver x 8
• Evade Police x 3
• Drink Driving x 1
• Drug Driving x 4

“Through good police work and with a commitment to reducing the impact of crime on the Northern Tasmanian community, Taskforce Viper has achieved significant results,” Insp Johnston said.

“Police will continue to do everything they can to keep the community safe and prevent and detect crime, but we need the community’s help.

“It’s timely to remind everyone of the importance of protecting your belongings from burglary and theft. Thieves are often opportunistic and locking your property and keeping valuables out of sight are two easy steps that can prevent your belongings from being a target for burglars.”

Police investigate stolen vehicle and evade incidents

11.03am Thursday: Police are continuing to investigate two incidents in the Huon area yesterday.

Kingston Police Inspector Mark Burke said a white Nissan Navara and silver Nissan Navara were reported stolen from an address in Eggs and Bacon Bay about 6.50am Wednesday.

“Police conducted a search in the area using the Westpac Rescue helicopter, drones and specialist police resources but the suspects and vehicles were not located,” Insp Burke said.

“Around 2.45pm a white Toyota HiLux dual cab was reported stolen from the Randalls Bay area.

“It was driven at speed towards Hobart by a young man, and numerous police resources including the Westpac Rescue helicopter were dispatched as it travelled through New Town and Glenorchy and was last sighted in the Rosetta area.”

No arrests have been made with either incident, with police seeking community information that might assist investigations.

“Speeding and evading police is dangerous and puts the community at unnecessary risk so police take matters like this seriously,” Inspector Burke said.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has dashcam footage or saw the vehicles. Information can be provided to Police on 131 444 or via Crime Stoppers Tasmania via www.crimestopperstas.com.au.

Car rolls on busy Battery Point road

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a two vehicle crash at Battery Point. One vehicle has rolled.

Sandy Bay Road has been closed due to a car rollover, March 8, 2023.

Sandy Bay Road is closed in the area of the St Ives Bottle Shop. Motorists are asked to avoid the area until the scene is cleared.

There are no reports of serious injuries at this stage.

Diversions are in place for traffic around Battery Point.

Manhunt for vehicle, person of interest

3.50pm Wednesday:

Tasmania Police are conducting an ‘operation’ across multiple Greater Hobart suburbs searching for a vehicle and person of interest.

Multiple police units including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter are involved in the search for a white Toyota HiLux which was reported stolen from the Randalls Bay area Wednesday afternoon.

Police say since 2.50pm the vehicle has been sighted in the Margate, Taroona, Sandy Bay and New Town areas.

Anyone who sees a White Toyota HiLux with silver tool box, white tray, light bar and aluminium bull bar, registration number D79YD should call Police on 131 444.

Assault, Burnie

2.05pm Wednesday: A man has been left with “serious head injuries” after an incident at North Terrace, Burnie.

A second man is now in police custody.

Tasmania Police in a statement said the two men were known to each other, but that no weapons were believed to have been used in the incident.

The injured man has been taken to hospital.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Burnie CIB on 131 444.

Truck rollover in Tassie’s north

UPDATE 3.30pm Wednesday:

Lillydale Rd remains closed near Lillydale Falls, as a truck is removed from the roadway.

Tasmania Police in a statement say it is anticipated the road will be cleared by 4.30pm.

No serious injuries were reported in the crash, which happened at about 12.50pm.

INITIAL:

Tasmania police and emergency services are on the scene of a truck rollover on Lillydale Road near Lillydale Falls.

Police say no serious injuries have been reported at this stage, with the road to close about 2.15pm to right the truck and clear the scene.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area and find an alternative route while the scene is cleared.

Tasman Highway crash

Wednesday 9.35am: Police are responding to reports of a multi-vehicle crash on the Tasman Bridge, Hobart-bound.

Traffic cam: Tasman Bridge, 9.33am

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

No injuries have been reported.

Serious crash, Rocherlea

A man in his 20s is in a critical condition after a serious single vehicle crash on the East Tamar Highway on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services responded to the incident at Rocherlea in the north bound lanes about 3pm.

Police say the black Mercedes sedan involved in the crash contained two occupants with the driver, a man in his 20s sustaining serious injuries after his vehicle struck the Armco railing. His passenger, a man also in his 20s sustained minor injuries.

Both were taken to the Launceston General Hospital, with the driver remaining in a critical condition as of early Wednesday morning.

“Tasmania Police are currently investigating the cause of this crash with speed and road conditions being potential contributing factors,” a spokesperson said.

“Tasmania Police would like to hear from any members of the public who may have witnessed the black Mercedes sedan travelling north on the East Tamar Highway at approximately 3pm or who may have dashcam footage.”

Any information can be forwarded to Northern Crash Investigation Services at the Launceston Police Station by calling 131 444.

Police would like to remind motorists to drive appropriately to the weather conditions.

Ulverstone man facing court

Tuesday 7.30pm: A 37-year-old Ulverstone man will face court on Wednesday after he allegedly left Ulverstone Police Station while under arrest for alleged driving offences.

Police say the man left the station about 2.30pm Tuesday and was located by police a short time later.

The man was not considered to be a risk to the community. He has been charged with a number of offences including driving while disqualified and escape.

He will face Devonport Magistrates Court on March 8.