A 52-year-old female from Dunalley has died following a two-vehicle crash which occurred on the Arthur Highway, approximately six kilometres north of Copping.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:50pm when the driver of a 2011 black Volkswagen station wagon lost control on a sweeping left-hand bend on a section of the Arthur Highway known as ‘Red Hill’. The Volkswagen was being driven by a 29-year-old female from Tranmere who had a three-year-old passenger at the time.

As the vehicle lost control it crossed to the incorrect side of the highway and collided head on with a north bound 2014 silver Hyundai hatch. The Hyundai was being driven by a 25-year-old female from Dunalley who had one front seat passenger in the vehicle.

As a result of the collision the female passenger in the Hyundai died at the scene. The two drivers were conveyed to hospital and are in a stable condition. The three-year-old was uninjured.

Police, Ambulance Tasmania, TFS and SES all attended the scene. Arthur Highway at the location of the crash was closed for approximately six hours whilst Police Forensic and Crash Investigation Services personnel investigated the scene. Local traffic diversions were put in place.

“Initial investigations suggest the south bound vehicle lost control in the wet whilst negotiating the left-hand bend in the road, the use of alcohol or drugs are not suspected” said Acting Sergeant Adam Hall of Crash Investigation Services.

Tasmania Police express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

In an earlier collision, the Midland Highway at Bagdad was reduced to one lane for approximately two hours after a collision between a south bound Mack Truck and a north bound Toyota Corolla. The crash occurred at approximately 4.10pm.

The crash occurred when the Toyota crossed to the incorrect side of the road impacting the driver’s side of the truck. Inattention is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision, and the road was wet at the time of the crash.

“This was a big impact collision and the driver of the Toyota is extremely luckily to be alive. Road users are reminded to pay attention whilst behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and to drive to the conditions” said Acting Sergeant Hall.

Police, Ambulance Tasmania, TFS and SES all attended the scene. The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious but stable condition. The two occupants of the truck were uninjured.

Anyone who observed the vehicle’s prior to either collision is asked to contact Acting Sergeant Adam HALL at Southern Crash Investigation Services on 62302111 or by contacting Crime Stoppers.