Newstead motorbike fatal: Witness traumatised as ‘possible’ cause revealed

Police continue to probe the cause of a motorcycle crash which claimed the life of a 35-year-old Tasmanian, with a “possible” factor identified. LATEST >>

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.

Serious motorbike crash - Newstead

3pm Saturday, May 21

A woman says she is traumatised from witnessing the immediate aftermath of a single-vehicle motorcycle accident out the front of her northern Tasmanian home about dinnertime Friday night.

Tasmania Police Inspector Ruth Orr said the motorcyclist, a 35-year-old Summerhill man, was travelling west on Wentworth St, Newstead, towards High St when he “lost control” and crashed his vehicle just past Strahan Rd.

Tasmania Police Inspector Ruth Orr. Picture: Alex Treacy

“We’re not sure the circumstances or why (the motorcyclist lost control,” Inspector Orr said.

“We’re not sure if speed was a factor.

“Possibly alcohol may have been involved.”

Inspector Orr said multiple nearby residents rushed outside after hearing the crash, as well as passing motorists stopping.

A 35-year-old Summerhill man has died after losing control of his motorcycle at Wentworth St, Newstead, between Strahan Rd and High St, May 20, 2022. Picture: Alex Treacy

A 35-year-old Summerhill man has died after losing control of his motorcycle at Wentworth St, Newstead, between Strahan Rd and High St, May 20, 2022. Picture: Alex Treacy

The motorcyclist, who was riding a Suzuki, was treated on the scene by Ambulance Tasmania paramedics but died from his injuries at Launceston General Hospital.

A female resident of Wentworth St told The Mercury she “heard the crash and ran outside”.

“A lady driving past stopped to render aid and called emergency services,” the woman said.

She declined to comment further, saying it was “super traumatic” to witness the scene’s aftermath.

“I just feel for that guy,” she said.

6am Saturday, May 21

A 35-year-old man has died following a single-rider motorcycle crash on Wentworth St, Newstead yesterday.

Police and emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 7.10pm.

Initial inquiries indicate the man was travelling west on Wentworth St at Newstead on a blue Suzuki motorcycle when he lost control and crashed.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact police on 131 444.

Tasmania Police said in a statement their thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

7.50pm, Friday May 20

Emergency services are on the scene of a serious motorbike crash in suburban Launceston.

According to police, the incident happened on Wentworth Street in Newstead and the road has been at the intersection of Junction Street and Wentworth Street, Abbott Street and Wentworth Street and Ramsey Street and Campbell Street.

More to come ...

Two teens on the run after thefts, Devonport

2:10pm Friday, May 20

Tasmania Police are searching for two youths who are believed to have been involved in two thefts in King and Rooke Streets at Devonport a short time ago.

The pair are dressed in black and one is carrying a green backpack.

Officers say no weapons are in use and no one has been injured.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact police on 131 444.