Tasmania breaking news: Search and rescue operation success for man in his 50s at Cockle Creek
A man in his 50s who didn’t return from a solo day walk from Cockle Creek has been found safe and well. The latest.
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Search ongoing for solo interstate walker at Cockle Creek
10.50am: An interstate walker has been found safe and well after an overnight rescue at Cockle Creek.
In a statement, police said the man was found about 9am and was flown from the area.
10.25am: Rescuers are actively searching for a man in his 50s who failed to return from a solo day walk from Cockle Creek on the South Coast Track.
A police spokesperson said the search was still ongoing at 10.20am.
The Westpac Police helicopter is part of the operation that amped up once daylight hit this morning.
Police said the interstate man was reported missing just prior to midnight on Thursday, January 2 after he failed to return to his family in the evening as expected.
Also overnight, a successful rescue operation of two interstate walkers in their 20s from the Hazards in the Freycinet National Park.
At about 5pm, police were alerted to the walker who they say found themselves in a precarious position in steep terrain and were unable to progress.
Officers said the rescue helicopter was deployed and search and rescue specialists also assisted.
The two walkers in their 20s were rescued in the early hours of Friday morning, unharmed.
Police officer issued with interim family violence order
January 3: A Tasmanian police officer has been issued with an interim family violence order.
The male constable was previously suspended from duty and this remains ongoing, police said in a media statement on Thursday afternoon.
The constable will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on January 30 at 2.15pm.
Police say as the matter is currently before the court, they are “unable to comment further at this time”.
Burst water main floods three CBD businesses
2.20pm: Despite police providing motorists with the all clear, a lane remains closed down due to a burst water main on Liverpool Street.
The section of road most impacted still has cones to guide drivers away from the area.
The pavement is visible damaged including torn up pavement and sunken ground.
All businesses on the side of the road impacted have shut.
There is also sand in much of the area in an attempt to dry up the street.
Taswater staff were on site and no pedestrians were allowed to use the footpath on the side of the road where the water main had burst.
1.45pm: Three businesses have been impacted by flooding after a burst water main in the vicinity of the Hanging Garden in Hobart’s CBD, TasWater can confirm.
The incident was first reported around 12.30pm of a burst 150mm water main outside 159 Liverpool St.
TasWater general manager customer and community Callan Paske said crews were on site within 30 minutes to shut off water and begin repairs.
The repairs require about 10 businesses between Murray and Harrington streets to be without water while repairs are under way.
It’s expected to take between four to five hours to fix.
“We want to thank locals for avoiding the area while we clean up and make the repairs,” Mr Paske said.
“We understand three businesses have been impacted by flooding and we will work with them in the coming days to understand the impact and help where we can.”
Tasmania Police were also on the scene and say the area is now clear.
Leaks or burst water mains can be reported by calling 13 6992.
Gas leak sparks emergency in state’s south
January 2, 8am: A gas leak that sparked an emergency warning at Kingston Beach south of Hobart has been cleared.
Officers provided the update within an hour of when the incident was first reported near the Tas Petroleum petrol station in Beach Road.
Earlier advice was for residents in the vicinity to stay indoors and motorists have been requested to avoid the area as roadblocks are currently in place.
Police had put in diversions around the area, which will now be removed.
Rescue success after boat hits rocky area off Clifton Beach
January 1, 8.10am: Police undertook a New Year rescue after a recreational vessel struck difficulty off Clifton Beach.
Officers said the new police vessel “Van Diemen” assisted the boat after it had suffered mechanical failure.
First responders found the vessel resting on a rocky area a short distance north off Cape Deslacs.
Police said the four occupants of the boat were rescued and transported to safety with no injuries reported.
More broadly, police praised the overall behaviour of Tasmanians during last night’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
A highly visible police presence was witnessed across the state as they cracked down on anti-social behaviour.
Southern Police Acting Inspector Danny Jackson said the Hobart waterfront, CBD and Regatta Grounds were buzzing with action — especially in the lead up to the two fire work events celebrating the arrival of the New Year.
“Pleasingly, most of the crowd were well-behaved, with only a small number of arrests for anti-social behaviour and other offences,” he said.
In the North, Inspector Grant Twining said those celebrating at Beerfest and licenced venues in the Launceston CBD were generally well behaved with only minor anti-social behaviours reported on a busy night for police.
While in the Western division, Inspector Anthea Maingay said it was pleasing there were very few reports of anti-social behaviour across the Coast.
“The public is reminded that police will continue patrolling the roads in increased numbers throughout the holiday period and strongly encourage all motorists to make responsible decisions about their driving behaviour.”
Also on New Year’s Eve, a 22-year-old woman was allegedly caught speeding and drunk driving by police.
Officers say they intercepted the vehicle travelling at 142km/h on the Bass Highway at Westbury around 5pm.
Police then alleged the young woman blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.072.
Officers said they arrested and charged the driver who is set to appear at the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
Victorian man dies bushwalking after falling off cliff
12.30pm: Early investigations indicate the Victorian man who sadly lost his life fell from a height close to the summit of Federation Peak, officers say.
Police provided the update to media in a press conference at 12.30pm.
The rescue operation included the immediate dispatch of the police helicopter after the PLB was activated, police say.
Inspector Colin Riley said: “Federation Peak is one of the most challenging walks in Tasmania”.
He said the two other walkers — who were uninjured — triggered the search after retreating down the mountain to activate the PLB.
The group included the walking partner of the man who fell to his death, and another person believed to have met during the walk.
The Inspector described them as reasonably experienced bushwalkers.
11am: A Victorian man has tragically died while bushwalking with a small ground at Federation Peak in the Southwest National Park.
Police believe the man, aged in his 30s from Victoria, fell off a cliff from height about 11am on Monday.
The Victorian becomes the second bushwalker found dead in the Southwest National Park — with police finding the body of a lone Queensland bushwalker on the Western Arthur Range Traverse on Sunday.
Two of his bushwalking companions alerted authorities, triggering a search and rescue operation late yesterday afternoon — using ground and aerial resources, police say.
The search continued into this morning, where sadly rescuers found the man dead.
He was then retrieved by helicopter, police confirmed.
His two companions were also flown out, police said.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Two women freed from vehicle in three-car crash remain in hospital
Update December 31,8am: Officers continue to investigate a three-vehicle crash on the Bass Highway on Monday that has resulted in two people requiring lifesaving surgery.
Emergency responders were called to the scene at Christmas Hills Rd after 11.30am on Monday.
Police believe a while Volkswagen Golf travelling from Christmas Hills Rd onto the Bass Hwy crashed with a white Toyota Hilux travelling in a south-east direction towards Deloraine.
Officers allege the white car then collided with a grey Volkswagen SUV travelling in the opposite lane towards Devonport.
Police say the grey SUV was found resting on its roof in a ditch on the southern side of the highway.
An ambulance took the driver and passenger of the Volkswagen Golf — a 19-year-old woman and a 54-year-old woman, both from Blackstone Heights — to Launceston General Hospital in critical condition.
The younger woman under went surgery on Monday evening, while the 54-year-old was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
A Devonport woman in her 30s, who was the sole occupant of the white ute, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
While the five occupants of the grey Volkswagen — tourists from Victoria — suffered minor injuries with three taken to hospital for assessment.
The incident closed the section of highway for about six hours.
4pm: Two women remain in hospital in a serious condition after being stuck inside a car following a three-vehicle crash on the Bass Highway in the state’s north on Monday.
Tasmania Police and emergency services were called to the intersection of Christmas Hills Road and the Bass Highway at Elizabeth Town just after 11.30am on Monday.
Police Commander Marco Ghedini said police observed two Volkswagen vehicles and a Toyota Hilux at the intersection, immediately closing the road to through traffic.
“Initial investigations suggest the Toyota Hilux was travelling on the Bass Highway towards Deloraine and collided with a white Volkswagen, which was travelling from the Christmas Hills Road on the highway,” he said.
“A third vehicle, another Volkswagen, was travelling along the Bass Highway to Devonport when it was struck.
“This vehicle contained five occupants – all visitors from Victoria.”
Three of the five occupants were treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Commander Ghedini said two female occupants of the white Volkswagen received serious injuries, one requiring an airlift to the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) while an ambulance transported the other to the LGH.
The occupants, a 54-year-old female and a 19-year-old female remained trapped in the vehicle for some time following the accident, with police confirming they received treatment at the scene before being extricated.
Commander Ghedini said the female driver of the Hilux vehicle was in her 30s and was also taken to the LGH for treatment.
“It is too early in the investigation to attribute the cause of the accident,” he said.
“We do urge all drivers to remain attentive while driving and remove distractions, as well as obeying road rules and signage and driving to the conditions.”
The Bass Highway is expected to remain closed until about 5pm while the scene is cleared.
People trapped, highway blocked in state’s north
December 30, 1pm: A multi-vehicle crash has blocked the bass Highway in the state’s north on Monday, with reports of two people trapped in their vehicles.
Emergency services were called to the scene of the accident at Elizabeth Town near the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.
Tasmania Police say the extent of injuries is unknown at this stage.
Traffic is being diverted around the crash site via Deloraine onto Mole Creek Road, with police asking motorists to avoid the area and to follow traffic directions at roadblocks.
Man drowned after five swimmers rescued from Carlton Beach
3.38pm: A man has drowned after a water rescue at Carlton Beach on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports a group of five swimmers, including children, were experiencing difficulty in strong currents.
All five were retrieved from the water and paramedics performed CPR on a man before he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other swimmers didn’t require medical treatment.
Tasmania Police expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased man.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Swimmers, including children, stuck in strong currents off Carlton Beach
2.14pm: Police, Surf Life Saving Tasmania and other emergency services are at the scene of an incident at Carlton Beach in southern Tasmania.
Authorities were called to the scene about 1pm on Sunday, after reports a group of swimmers, including children, were experiencing difficulty in strong currents.
Emergency services remain at the scene and people are asked to avoid the area until further notice.
Interstate bushwalker’s body located in southwest wilderness
December 29, 11am: The body of a lone bushwalker was located in southwest bushland on Saturday.
Tasmania Police have confirmed a 54-year-old man from Queensland was found on the Western Arthur Range Traverse in Southwest National Park after his Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) was activated shortly after 11am.
The Tasmania Police Westpac Rescue Helicopter attended the scene however, police say another bushwalker located the unresponsive man on the track and confirmed he was deceased.
Initial police investigations indicate there are no suspicious circumstances, with police confirming the deceased’s family have been notified and expressing their sympathies for them.
The matter has been reported to the Coroner.
Police are also urging bushwalkers to ensure sufficient clothing and food and an emergency communication devices when going into the Tasmanian Wilderness.
This is the second incident this week in similar circumstances of a bushwalker trekking alone.
Police advise bushwalkers against walking alone and say a two-way messaging emergency device is preferred.
Fed-up first responders issue road safety plea after high-speed crash
5pm: Senior Tasmanian Police officers have expressed ongoing frustration over driver behaviour on the state’s busy holiday roads, after a 52-year-old man was rushed to Royal Hobart Hospital in a “very serious” condition following a high-speed crash at Montrose on Saturday.
On the same morning two people were flown to hospital from Bruny Island after a falling from the back of a moving vehicle driving along a beach – and just days after two motorists were killed in separate crashes in Tasmania’s north – the Montrose driver lost control of his Holden Commodore before colliding with two parked cars.
Speaking in Hobart, Inspector Ian Matthewson said the crash, which occurred at 6:45am on Main Rd near Riverview Rd, could have been more serious at a different time of the day.
Insp Matthewson said while crash investigations were ongoing, it was likely speed was involved in the incident.
“The driver has lost control, and as a result collided with two parked motor vehicles causing extensive damage to both the parked vehicles and the blue Commodore,” Insp Matthewson said.
“The driver was decided by witnesses to be allegedly travelling at high speed.
“He has been taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment, and his condition at this stage is considered very serious.
“Thankfully no other members of the public were involved.”
A TasNetworks power pole was damaged in the crash, resulting in nearly 100 residences being without power for several hours.
In calling for public assistance in providing dashcam footage or other information about the crash, Insp Matthewson said the incident was a timely reminder about the dangers of unsafe behaviour behind the wheel.
“The holiday season on Tasmanian roads see an increase in traffic, and it’s more important than ever for everyone to take responsibility and follow the road rules,
“By working together, we can actually create a safer environment for all road users.
“Ensure you are well rested, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence, especially under speed.”
Insp Matthewson said the Bruny Island incident occurred when four people riding on the tailgate of a Ford Ranger travelling on a beach all fell off the moving vehicle.
“This resulted in a range of injuries to them, and two required airlifting to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
“Thankfully, the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
From my understanding, the driver submitted to a breath test at the Alonnah Police Station, and there’s a further investigation surrounding the circumstances of that crash being undertaken.”
On Thursday, a 70-year-old motorcyclist died following a collision with a vehicle at Longford, while on Friday morning a woman in her 30s died on Main St, Perth, after crashing into a pole.
Driver in serious condition after Montrose crash
12.40am: A crash in Montrose that has seriously injured a driver appears to have involved multiple vehicles and a power line.
Officers say a driver of one of the vehicles is in a serious condition after the crash on Main Rd near Philip Ave, and was rushed to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
More than six hours after the incident, police and tow trucks were on the scene clearing up the damage in a complicated operation involving TasNetworks.
That included removing a smashed up blue sedan.
Nearby residents reported waking to a loud “bang” some time after 6.30am — with emergency services saying they responded to reports of the crash around 7am.
The crash has also left nearly 100 neighbouring homes without power since this morning.
Police are expected to provide an update this afternoon.
Road blocks remain in place between Lorraine Crescent and Montrose Rd in both directions.
10.40am: Emergency services remain at the scene hours after a reported traffic crash on Main Rd, Montrose.
Officers say a male driver of a vehicle involved has been taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment.
It’s believed his condition is serious.
Police and emergency services first responded to reports of the crash at around 7am.
The incident, near Philip Ave, has blocked traffic between Lorraine Crescent and Montrose Rd in both directions.
Further investigations will take place while the road remains closed, which will include specialist resources examining the scene.
It is not known at this stage if the crash involved more than one vehicle.
Two people in serious condition after campground crash
December 28, 8am: Two people have been flown to hospital in serious condition after a crash at a campground on Bruny Island.
Police said the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to the area after reports of a serious single-vehicle crash at Jetty Beach Campground at South Bruny on Friday evening.
Police said the two injured people received medical treatment at the scene before being transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Anyone with footage or who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers — quote Escad 374-27122024
Overnight, fire crews swarmed the Mt Field Visitor Centre after reports of a structure fire.
Fireys said a small blaze in the kitchen was quickly found upon arrival.
The fire was quickly extinguished. The TFS did not say the extent of the damage.
Also on Friday, police confirmed a deliberately lit fire which destroyed a car and damaged a house in Queenstown is being investigated.
Emergency services were called to a residence in Dilger Court about five o’clock on Friday morning.
Tasmania Fire Service crews put out the fire in a car which was in a carport attached to the house.
The TFS determined it had been deliberately lit.
The damage to the house is not known but it is believed the exterior of a bedroom was burned.
Police have asked anyone with information in relation to the fire, or suspicious activity in the area around the time, to contact Queenstown Police on 131 444 or provide information through Crime Stoppers Tasmania which can be done anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – quote OR762442.
Driver receiving medical assistance after Perth crash
12.10am: A woman in her 30s has sadly died after her vehicle struck a pole and two parked cars at Perth, police confirmed.
The woman driving a silver Honda CRV reportedly crashed about 9.45am.
Emergency services responded to the situation promptly, but attempts to save her life were unsuccessful.
Police say they will be investigating the cause of the crash, and haven’t ruled out that it could’ve been caused by a medical-related emergency.
Motorists have been asked to continue to avoid the area until further notice.
Anyone who say the Honda around the time of the crash is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania.
11.25am: Police and paramedics remain at the scene of a car crash more than an hour after first reported.
It’s believed the vehicle crashed into an unoccupied parked car on Main Rd, Perth, in the state’s north.
Paramedics rushed to the scene about 10.15am, alongside other emergency service personnel.
Officers said the driver of the vehicle was receiving medical attention at the scene.
Motorists have been asked to avoid the area, including Main Rd, Frederick St and Fairtlough St.
More to come.
Motorcycle Motorcycle rider dead after Boxing Day crash
December 27, 8am: A 70-year-old motorcycle rider has tragically died in a Boxing Day crash at Longford.
Emergency services responded to the incident — that involved a white Toyota Hilux and a yellow Suzuki motorcycle — about 12.25pm on Thursday.
The crash occurred near the intersection of Brickendon St and Woolmers Lane.
Police say early investigations suggest the ute that was towing farm machinery was turning right from Brickendon St onto Woolmers Lane when the motorcycle impacted the rear right side of the vehicle.
The rider was rushed to Launceston General Hospital in a critical condition, officers say, where he sadly later died.
The driver of the ute was not physically injured.
Woman arrested after alleged late night evade incident
December 26, 8.20am: Officers accuse a 30-year-old Newnham woman of a 25 minute chase after she allegedly evaded police in Upper Burnie on Christmas Day.
Police report the woman first came into contact with police on Mount St around 10.15 before allegedly driving dangerously on the Bass Highway.
The woman was taken into custody in Penguin around 10.40pm, police confirmed, where she was arrested and charged.
Officers allege the woman was unlicensed, breaching court bail conditions and is facing several driving and drug charges.
Police say she’s been detained to appear in court.
Elsewhere, a woman allegedly drove five times over limit in Newstead around 7.30pm.
The 44-year-old was reportedly intercepted by police in Newstead around 7.30pm on Christmas Day.
Officers say she returned a breath test reading of 0.252, which is five times the legal limit.
The woman has been disqualified from driving for 12 months and is set to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
Earlier, two 18-year-old P-platers were caught allegedly speeding more than 50km/h over the limit in 30 minute blitz on the Bass Highway on Christmas morning.
The first driver was believed to be driving 160km/h in a 110km/h zone near Hagley.
The other is accused of travelling at 62km/h over the limit near Deloraine.
Police confirmed both drivers face extensive periods of licence disqualification and significant fines.
One vehicle was immediately clamped by officers and the other is set to be in the coming days for a minimum of 28 days.
Everybody appearing at Hobart Magistrates Court, Tuesday, January 14
Here is a list of people appearing at Hobart Magistrates Court on January 14.
Free again: murderer Jamie John Curtis paroled for third time
One of Tasmania’s most violent criminals, who murdered a man after repeatedly raping his fiancée in front of him, is set to walk free from prison. When he could be set free.