Emergency services attend serious single-car crash on the Tasman Highway

UPDATED: Speed was a likely factor in a serious crash on the Tasman Highway on Wednesday morning that has left two young people fighting for life in hospital.

SPEED was a likely factor in a serious crash at Mornington on Wednesday morning that has left two young people fighting for life in hospital.

The driver of a red Holden Cruze, a 21-year-old man from Acton Park, and his 19-year-old female passenger are in the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition.

Inspector Brian Edmonds said speed was a likely factor in the crash, with the car hitting a tree and sustaining major damage to the vehicle.

The scene of the crash. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

The single-vehicle crash happened at about 7.30am about 500m from the Mornington roundabout on the Tasman Highway.

The two occupants of the car were trapped and the Tasmania Fire Service needed to use the jaws of life to free them before paramedics provided medical care.

The pair were found in the vehicle by off-duty police officers who stopped at the scene.

“The scene was quite devastating,” Inspector Edmonds said. “While the crash is still being investigated, early investigations show speed as a contributing factor.”

The scene of the crash. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

The Tasman Highway was partially closed for around five hours.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or the car prior to the crash is asked to phone police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with dash cam or smart phone vision of the crash or the car prior to the crash is asked to upload it direct to investigators via the Axon portal:

https://taspol.au.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/police-investigate-serious-mornington-crash