Tassie teen rushed to hospital as the result of a shed explosion

A Tasmanian teenager has been rushed to hospital after an explosion in a shed late this morning. READ THE LATEST >>>

Tassie teen airlifted to hospital as the result of a shed explosion. Picture: Google Maps

A teenager has been seriously injured on private property on Pine Road in Penguin, after an explosion in a shed late this morning.

Police and emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 11am.

The teenager was given medical treatment at the scene and was rushed to the North West Regional Hospital with serious injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening.

The scene is contained and there is no risk to the general public.

Tasmania Fire Service investigators have determined the explosion was accidental and caused by mechanical equipment sparking and igniting a plastic fuel drum.

Pedestrian in hospital after hit and run

A 28-year-old man was struck by a vehicle on Triton Road, East Devonport about 11am on Sunday.

A white Holden Rodeo ute travelling from Birala Place turned into Triton Road and struck the man who was on the footpath.

The man was taken to North West Regional Hospital in a stable condition suffering a leg injury. At the time of the incident he was in the company of two women who took action to avoid the vehicle and were not injured.

Police believe the man was known to those in the vehicle.

The ute evaded police in East Devonport and a short time later two men were apprehended and arrested on Young Street, East Devonport.

They are currently assisting police with the investigation.

Police are seeking assistance from the public and appealing for any witnesses who may be able to assist with the investigation and urge anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

Five times over the limit: Woman nabbed after crash

A northern Tasmanian woman driving five times over the legal alcohol limit crashed into a power pole and was nabbed nearby by police.

Sergeant Gavin Chugg of Launceston police said the 43-year-old woman from Riverside recorded a breath alcohol reading of .249 and was charged and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He said police were called to a single vehicle crash on Ecclestone Rd just after 2.30pm on Saturday and found a silver 2009 Subaru sedan which had hit a power pole.

Police allege the female driver was the only person in the vehicle, and was found nearby and taken into custody for mandatory testing.

Sgt Chugg said she was charged and bailed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in January.

“She was issued with an immediate disqualification as a result of the high reading,” he said.

“It is disappointing to see that people are still willing to risk drink driving, endangering their lives and the lives of others.”

Anyone who witnessed the crash or the vehicle prior to the incident can contact police on 131 444.

Multi-vehicle crash halts traffic on bridge

Traffic on the Tasman Bridge is at a standstill after multiple vehicles have crashed.

Police and emergency services are on the scene where the accidents happened on the western end of the bridge.

“All west bound traffic is being diverted north onto the East Derwent Highway,” a police spokesman said.

“Motorists are asked to avoid the area until the scene is cleared.”
Update: The Tasman Bridge was open to all traffic at about 5.00pm.

Driver’s shooting spree in state’s south

Shots were fired at two cars in southern Tasmania early this morning – but police say while the occupants were “naturally shaken” they escaped injury.

The incidents happened at Richmond and Risdon Vale just before 3 o’clock on Saturday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Latham said several shots were reportedly fired at a vehicle as it travelled on Middle Tea Tree Road, near the golf course at Richmond about 2:45am and further shots were fired as the victim’s car travelled south towards Cambridge on Richmond Road near Malcolms Hut Road.

He said the victim’s rear car window was shattered in the incident.

The offending vehicle was described as possibly a white, newer model Subaru Impreza or Mazda hatchback.

Det-Sgt Latham said about 10 minutes later, the same offending vehicle is believed to have been involved in another incident, when a firearm was shot towards another car on Grass Tree Hill Road near the Malcolms Hut Road intersection.

No damage was caused to the second car.

Det-Sgt Latham was thankful no one was injured in either incident.

“The victims in both incidents are naturally shaken, and police are taking this extremely seriously,” he said.

Grass Tree Hill Road near the Malcolms Hut Road intersection where a car was shot at, December 3. Picture: supplied.

“Both victims are known to each other, and police are making inquiries into the circumstances that took place overnight.

“We’d like to speak to anyone who may have been travelling on Middle Tea Tree Road, Richmond Road, Malcolms Hut Road or Grass Tree Hill Road around the time of the incidents.

“If you know anything, please get in touch. You can stay anonymous.”

Information can be provided to Glenorchy CIB on 131 444.