One person has tragically died and two others are in critical condition following a two-vehicle crash at Old Beach on Monday afternoon, Tasmania Police confirmed. Emergency services were called to the scene on the East Derwent Highway, near Riviera Drive, at approximately 1:35 PM.
The collision involved a blue Nissan Qashqai and a silver Great Wall, which had collided head-on. Sadly, the female front-seat passenger of the Nissan Qashqai was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The woman driving the Nissan Qashqai was transported by Ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition. The man driving the silver Great Wall was also taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital by ambulance and is in a critical condition.
The East Derwent Highway was closed between Riviera Drive and Jetty Road for several hours while crash investigators conducted their work at the scene. Tasmania Police later confirmed the road has since reopened to traffic.
Acting Inspector Amanda Hall addressed the recent spate of serious incidents on Tasmanian roads, stating, “Tragically, since Friday we’ve seen four people die, and four sustain critical injuries in crashes on our roads.” She urged all motorists to prioritise safety every time they travel.
“Every death on our roads is one too many, and today further families have received the devastating news that their loved one has died or been critically injured in a crash,” Acting Inspector Hall said. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected.”
Tasmania Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information, including dashcam footage, relating to the crash or either vehicle prior to the collision, to come forward. Information can be provided by contacting police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000. When contacting police, the ESCAD reference 209-07092026 should be quoted.
A report on the incident will be prepared for the coroner.