Opposition Calls for Transparency After Second Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on Mitchell Freeway
The State Opposition has intensified pressure on the Cook Government to publicly release the results of an investigation into a previous fatal wrong-way collision on Perth's Mitchell Freeway, following a disturbingly similar incident that occurred last weekend. This latest tragedy has reignited serious concerns about road safety in the northern suburbs and whether adequate preventive measures were implemented.
Details of the Latest Fatal Collision
On Sunday night, around 11:25pm near the Lukin Drive exit in Butler, a 56-year-old woman driving a white Toyota Yaris hatchback was killed when her vehicle was struck by a white Isuzu utility travelling the wrong direction on the Mitchell Freeway. The 24-year-old male driver of the Isuzu later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Two occupants of a white MG MG4 hatchback, which was also involved in the collision, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Major crash squad investigators are examining whether the utility entered the freeway incorrectly via the Romeo Road off-ramp, located approximately two kilometres from the crash site.
Connection to Previous October Incident
This area was the scene of another fatal wrong-way crash on the night of Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Popular Western Australian car enthusiast Johnny Gray, 60, died after driving his 1956 Chevrolet the wrong way down the Mitchell Freeway off-ramp at Romeo Road and colliding with oncoming traffic. That incident prompted separate investigations by both WA Police and Main Roads, the state's road authority.
Political and Community Demands for Action
Shadow Transport Minister Steve Martin is leading calls for the government to disclose the findings from the October investigation and outline what specific actions were taken afterward. "When a similar wrong-way crash occurred in the area in October, Police Minister Reece Whitby said that police and Main Roads are aware of the issue and will be doing their own investigation and that if there were any lessons that are to be learned, they'll follow those up," Mr Martin stated. "So we're calling on the State Government to outline what lessons were learned and explain what was done to address the identified problem ahead of this latest collision. The public deserve to know whether this latest incident could have been avoided."
Local residents have echoed these concerns, advocating for enhanced safety measures. "It is definitely confusing, you need more signage there for sure," Butler resident Lynne Miles told 7News, highlighting ongoing confusion at the intersection.
Government and Main Roads Response
According to Main Roads, following the October crash, existing pavement markings and signage were assessed and found to comply with Australian Standards and Austroads Guidelines. However, to further improve safety, enhancements were implemented in December 2025, including additional pavement markings and larger 'no right turn' signs at the intersection.
Mr Martin remains skeptical, arguing that these measures may be insufficient. "Despite a statement from Main Roads saying that additional pavement markings and larger signs were installed in December 2025, it appears that the Mitchell Freeway/Romeo Road off-ramp continues to represent a confusion risk for some drivers seeking to turn southbound to Perth," he asserted.
A State Government spokesperson responded that it is premature to comment on the circumstances of the latest crash as it remains under active investigation by WA Police. Main Roads will also conduct its own investigation to determine if any further changes are necessary. "The incident on Mitchell Freeway on Sunday night was a tragedy and our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives," the spokesperson said. "The Cook Government takes road safety very seriously and is committed to maintaining a safe road network across WA."
Broader Road Safety Context
This incident occurs against a troubling backdrop of rising road fatalities in Western Australia. Data from the Road Safety Commission indicates that WA roads have already recorded 27 fatalities in 2026, a significant increase from 19 at the same point last year. As investigations into Sunday night's collision continue, police are urging anyone with information or dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.
