A young man has lost his life in a tragic single-vehicle crash in Western Australia's South West region over the weekend.
Details of the Fatal Incident
An 18-year-old male driver died at the scene after his car left the road and collided with a tree. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, January 17, 2026, at approximately 6:10pm.
The crash took place in Beelerup, a locality near the town of Donnybrook. The vehicle involved was a white, two-door Ford Falcon ute fitted with a white canopy. It had been travelling eastbound on the Donnybrook-Boyup Brook Road when it left the roadway near the intersection with Beelerup Road.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Following the impact, the vehicle caught fire. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the driver, who was the sole occupant, succumbed to his injuries at the location.
Major Crash investigators from the Western Australia Police Force have commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the fatal crash. They are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward.
Authorities are particularly interested in speaking to motorists who were in the area at the time, or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or mobile phone footage of the vehicle prior to the collision.
Appeal for Public Assistance
Investigators have provided two main channels for the public to assist with their inquiries. Witnesses can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online via the Crime Stoppers WA website.
Furthermore, any digital video evidence related to this crash can be uploaded directly to investigators through a dedicated online portal set up by the police force.
The community around Donnybrook and the wider South West has been saddened by the loss of a young life, highlighting the ongoing importance of road safety in regional areas.