One man has tragically died, and another remains in a serious but stable condition, following a two-vehicle collision on the East Derwent Highway at Otago Bay early this morning, Tasmania Police confirmed.
Emergency services were alerted to the crash near Otago Bay Road on the East Derwent Highway at approximately 4:20 AM. The incident involved a white Toyota HiLux and a silver Holden Rodeo.
Tasmania Police reported that a passing motorist initially reported the collision. Upon arrival, emergency crews worked to extract both drivers from their respective vehicles. Both men were then transported by ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Sadly, the 55-year-old man who was driving the Toyota HiLux has since passed away. The 28-year-old driver of the Holden Rodeo is currently receiving treatment at the Royal Hobart Hospital, where he is in a serious but stable condition. Police confirmed there were no passengers in either vehicle involved in the crash.
The East Derwent Highway at Otago Bay was closed for approximately five hours while crash scene investigators conducted their examination of the site. The road has since reopened to traffic.
Tasmania Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or possesses dashcam footage from the East Derwent Highway around the time of the incident to come forward. Witnesses are urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote Offence Report number 817728.
A report on the incident will be prepared for the coroner.