Truck driver dies, Tasman Highway closed after prime mover rolls on East Coast
UPDATE: Police say a fatal truck rollover on the East Coast this morning was not caused by a medical episode or wet weather.
Tasmania
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UPDATE: POLICE say a fatal truck rollover on the East Coast this morning was not caused by a medical episode or wet weather.
The 71-year-old driver, a Devonport man, died at the scene after being trapped in the prime mover when it rolled going around a bend on the Tasman Highway at Picaninny Point just after 9am.
Tasmania Police acting Inspector Dean McMahon said “speed might be a factor, but that’s still subject to investigation at this stage”.
“What we can eliminate is a medical condition and, at this stage, there doesn’t seem to be any mechanical failure,” he said.
Insp McMahon said the man was a “very experienced” driver on his way to a bridge construction site north of St Helens at the time.
“The vehicle was heavily laden with major bridge infrastructure when it failed to negotiate a left-hand turn travelling north,” Insp McMahon said.
“Unfortunately, the truck rolled over down an embankment and the driver died at the scene.”
Multiple cranes were needed to clear the scene.
The Tasman Highway remains closed between just north of Bicheno and Elephant Pass Road.
“There was a white vehicle travelling in a southerly direction at the time so police are keen to speak to that person, so if they can call police on 131 444, that would be appreciated,” Insp McMahon said.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator attended the scene, along with emergency services.
A report is being prepared for the Coroner.
EARLIER: A MAN has died after a truck crash on Tasmania’s East Coast.
Police said the 71-year-old man from Devonport — believed to be the driver of the truck — had died as a result of the crash on the Tasman Highway near Picaninny Point.
The road remains blocked between just north of Bicheno and the interesection with Elephant Pass Rd.
EARLIER: A TRUCK rollover has caused the closure of the main route along Tasmania’s East Coast, with the driver badly injured in the crash.
In a statement issued shortly after 10am today, Tasmania Police said the Tasman Highway had been closed about 5km south of Elephant Pass Rd because of a truck crash.
The driver is believed to have suffered serious injuries.
“The Tasman Highway is closed at the intersection of Elephant Pass Rd for motorists heading south,” police said in a later statement.
“The Tasman Highway is closed just north of Bicheno for motorists heading north.
“Motorists must avoid the area, using the Lake Leake Highway, the Midland Highway and the Esk Highway as alternative routes.”
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