THE BEAT: Day trip becomes night rescue for walkers | Monster mash as potato truck rolls

Eight people have been rescued after a Good Friday walk turned into an intense night-time expedition | TFS issues alert over Huon Valley fire. LATEST BREAKING NEWS >>

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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.

Saturday, 2.50pm

A BUSHFIRE in the Huon Valley has hit advice level, with the Tasmania Fire Service urging residents to check their bushfire survival plans as crews battle the blaze.

The fire at Cajun Court, Huonville, was first reported just after 1pm, with tankers and aircraft working to bring the blaze under control.

The TFS said there was no immediate threat to the community, however, fires under these conditions can be difficult to control.

People in the Cajun Court and Snowy View Heights area are urged to stay up to date by listening to ABC Radio or checking the TFS website.

Well-prepared homes are defendable in these conditions, however, those not prepared for a bushfire are asked to consider leaving for a safe place if the situation escalates.

Day trip becomes night rescue for walkers

Saturday, 2.30pm

A GROUP of walkers have been rescued off Mt Wellington after misreading an old map and losing their way.

The group of eight locals, including two children, set off about 11am on Friday on a walk in the Thark Ridge area.

However, after misreading their old map, they accidentally began walking the Cathedral Rock Track in the opposite direction than intended.

Police were contacted about 7.30pm. The group were well prepared for the day, but were not equipped with adequate light sources or maps to navigate in the dark.

Acting Sergeant Callum Herbert said the party was unsure of its whereabouts but a mobile phone locating tool was used to help police pinpoint the party’s location.

Weather conditions were clear and warm — ideal walking conditions for those appropriately equipped.

Eight walkers became disoriented during a walk on Mt Wellington after misreading their map.

“The party were identified as being at the top of Cathedral Rock after negotiating the potentially treacherous Montagu Thumbs Traverse. Further information was that a few members had attempted to walk out in the dark to what they thought was a carpark nearby,” he said.

“They were told not to move and wait for police to arrive. A party of police search and rescue walkers were deployed and located the thirsty but uninjured party at Cathedral Rock about 9.30pm.

“They were given head torches and negotiated the steep track back to the carpark. The second party had become further disorientated in the dark and were located by a separate search and rescue walking team on another track.

“After getting the group back together, the tired and footsore walkers all arrived back at safety just before 2am.”

The walkers ended up on Cathedral Rock.

Acting Sergeant Herbert said it was a timely reminder to take appropriate maps and to plan routes with care.

“In this situation, mobile phone technology was used to locate the party but battery power and service in bushland areas was a significant issue,” he said.

“The addition of a head torch to any day pack is also suggested if heading out on a long walk.

“Fortunately the party did the right thing by remaining at their location after contacting police, and this adventure will likely be one that they don’t forget in a long while.”

Monster mash as potato truck rolls

Saturday, April 3, 11.40am

A POTATO truck rollover has blocked a major Northern Midlands road.

Emergency services were called to the scene at Woolmers Road, Longford, about 7.30am on Saturday.

Tasmania Police said no injuries were reported and the crash was minor, with it likely occurring due to the driver taking a corner too fast for the load they were carrying.

The road was closed for about two hours while the scene was cleared.

Car rollover blocks traffic

Friday, 2.30pm

Police and emergency services are on the scene of a single vehicle crash on Boyer Road, Boyer.

At about 2pm on Friday a vehicle rolled over and the north bound lane is blocked.

The occupants of the vehicle are understood to have sustained minor injuries.

Motorists should avoid the area if possible.

Two hospitalised in Midlands crash

Friday, 12.30pm

Investigations are continuing into a head-on crash on the Midland Highway that left two drivers hospitalised.

Police attended the scene at Melton Mowbray about 10pm Thursday, where a White Mitsubishi Triton ute and Blue Honda CRV collided.

Both drivers were treated at the scene for non-life threatening injuries and were taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Police are seeking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the vehicles prior to the crash, or who may have dashcam footage.

They would also like to speak with the driver of another vehicle who may have narrowly missed the Triton prior to the crash.

Information can be provided to Constable S Leek at the Oatlands Station on 131 444, or to Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au with report number 21002108.

Shooting in Launceston

Friday, April 2, 8am

A WOMAN was shot in the back in Launceston on Thursday night with police and Tasmania Ambulance called to the scene.

At about 9.30pm police attended the incident and discovered two small puncture wounds in the 30-year-old female’s back, caused by ballistic projectiles.

The incident is believed to have occurred on St Leonards Road at about 9.10pm.

The female’s injuries are superficial and she is expected to make a full recovery.

Detectives of the Northern Criminal Investigation Branch would like to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the St Leonards Road area between 9pm and 9.30pm on the evening of Thursday 1 April, 2021.