At approximately 11:15am on Saturday 10 July 2021, a head-on crash occurred between a Ford Ecosport travelling west and a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport travelling east. The crash occurred when the Ford crossed the centre line and collided with the Mitsubishi.

Police were in immediate proximity to the crash and rendered assistance including assisting a member of the public to extinguish a fire which started in the engine bay of the Ecosport. Sadly the man driving the Ford, together with a woman who was a passenger in the front seat, died almost immediately as a result of their injuries.

Three rear seat passengers in the Ecosport, all aged in their teens, were transported to hospital with a range of injuries. Two were taken to the Launceston General Hospital and one conveyed to the Royal Hobart Hospital. All remain in hospital with their injuries not considered life threatening.

Three occupants were in the Pajero Sport including a 4 week old baby. The woman driving that vehicle and the infant were taken to the Launceston General Hospital for precautionary medical attention. The man in the front seat of that vehicle was also conveyed to the Royal Hobart Hospital by way of Rotor-lift helicopter.

Police including crash investigators and Forensic personnel from both the Northern and Western Police districts attended the scene. They were assisted and supported by multiple uniform units from both districts, together with Ambulance Tasmania, Tas Fire and SES.

Initial enquiries indicate that inattention on the part of the deceased man may have been a contributing factor. It is believed the family of 5 in the Ecosport were on holidays here from the mainland with police still in the process of locating and notifying relatives.

Police would like to thank those members of the public who stopped and rendered assistance. Police also wish to express their appreciation to motorists who were required to divert around the crash, with the highway closed for about 5 hours.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.