Multiple fatalities confirmed in Midland Highway two-car crash
A young girl is among multiple people killed in a horror car crash on a Tasmanian highway, as police reveal what led to the tragedy. LATEST FROM THE SCENE >>
Tasmania
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UPDATE:
Tasmania Police have released details about the fatal crash on the Midland Highway earlier today Acting Commander Kate Chambers emphasized the collision was not as result of reckless driving.
“The crash today was the result of an incident which had a devastating outcome,” she said.
“We are making a plea for drivers to do their part to make the remainder of the school holidays fatality-free.
“Before starting out on your trip, please think of the tragic consequences of not driving safely.
“It is school holidays so there are more vehicles, including trailers and caravans, on our roads.
“Once again, our thoughts are with all those who have lost a loved one or been affected by this incident.”
The details – including ages, sex and origins – are as follows:
South bound Celica
48-year-old male from Launceston, driver and father of the two children (deceased)
15-year-old female, front passenger (deceased)
71-year-old female, rear passenger and aunt of the driver (deceased)
7-year-old male, rear passenger (serious condition in RHH)
North bound Commodore
21-year-old male front passenger and partner of the driver (Stable condition in RHH)
21-year-old female driver and aunt of the child (Stable condition in RHH)
Five-year-old female passenger (Stable condition in RHH)
North bound Ford Ranger and caravan
3 children and two adults.
EARLIER: A child is among three people killed in a crash on the Midland Highway near Ross this afternoon, police have confirmed.
The male driver of a southbound vehicle and two of his passengers – an adult woman and a young girl – have been confirmed dead while the fourth passenger, a male child, has been flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition.
Initial investigations suggest a vehicle towing a caravan was travelling north on the Midland Highway, when a solar panel on the caravan dislodged solar panels and flew into the southbound lane.
The vehicle travelling south took evasive action to avoid the solar panel and lost control, hitting a northbound vehicle which was travelling behind the caravan, according to Tasmania police.
The three occupants of the northbound vehicle, a female driver, an adult male passenger and a female child have been transferred to the RHH in a stable condition.
The driver of the vehicle with the caravan did not notice the crash and continued to Epping Forest.
Acting Commander Kate Chambers described the incident as “a tragedy for all three families”.
“An incident like this is distressing for everyone involved and will have a lifelong impact for so many people,” she said
“The driver and his family are understandably distraught and have been offered support.
“This is an absolute tragedy for the Tasmanian community”
Crash Investigation Services are on scene as well as the Coroner.
At 5.55pm, Tasmania Police advised the Tooms Lake diversion was no longer in place but motorists were advised to expect long delays for the next few hours while the road is cleared and traffic clears.
EARLIER: Multiple people have been killed in a crash on the Midland Highway just before 1pm this afternoon.
Southbound traffic is backed up for kilometres.
Police have started to slowly let traffic through the highways and through Ross, but the delays remain significant.
The number of people who have died in the crash has not yet been confirmed.
“There are fatalities,” Tasmania Police said earlier today.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein this afternoon expressed his sadness at the news.
“I just want to express to the families our thoughts and prayers are with you in what will no doubt be a difficult time,” Mr Gutwein said.
EARLIER: Tasmania Police have confirmed there are multiple fatalities in a crash south of Ross this afternoon.
“The Midland Highway will be closed for an extended period, after a serious crash involving several vehicles,” A tasmania Police statement said.
“There are fatalities.”
The Mercury understands a passenger remains trapped in a vehicle.
Police are asking motorist to avoid the area.
Police are directing traffic and vehicles are being turned around on the highway.
INITIAL: Emergency services are responding to a two car crash south of Ross in Central Tasmania.
Tasmania Police have closed the Midland Highway south of Ross.
The incident was reported just before 1pm.
More to come …
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