Tourists Render Aid After Fatal West Coast Collision
A devastating crash on Tasmania's rugged west coast has claimed two lives, including that of a teenage girl. The collision occurred on the Murchison Highway between Zeehan and Rosebery late on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 4:30 pm after a red Honda all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and a Mitsubishi Triton ute collided. A group of interstate tourists travelling through the area stopped immediately to provide critical first aid to the victims before paramedics and police arrived.
Victims Identified as Investigations Begin
Despite the efforts of the good Samaritans and emergency crews, the two individuals involved in the ATV could not be saved. Police have confirmed the victims are a 15-year-old girl from interstate and a 38-year-old man from Rosebery.
The driver of the Mitsubishi Triton, a 40-year-old man, escaped physical injury. He will undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing as part of standard police procedure. Tasmania Police have expressed their gratitude to the tourists who stopped to help.
"Tasmania Police would like to thank the group of interstate tourists who stopped and rendered medical assistance at the scene," a police statement read. "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of both the deceased."
Coronial Investigation Underway
A report is now being prepared for the coroner as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the tragic accident. Police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist their inquiries.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have relevant dash cam footage from the Murchison Highway area around 4:30 pm on Saturday, is urged to contact police. The investigation remains active as authorities piece together the events leading to the fatal collision.
