Serious Single Vehicle Crash – Montello

At approximately 18.50 hrs on Saturday, 1st  December 2012, police were called to a serious single vehicle crash in vacant park land at the end of Bird Street, Montello.

A white Toyota sedan travelling north on Bird Street failed to negotiate a tight 90 degree bend into Randall Street.  The vehicle drove between a road sign and Aurora power pole before travelling down a steep grass embankment.  It crossed a walking path bending the hand rail out of shape as it travelled under the rail.  The vehicle then continued down the steep embankment for approximately 140 meters.  The vehicle then collided with a fence post and rolled once.

The driver and sole occupant was thrown from the car when the vehicle rolled over. The vehicle eventually came to rest after hitting trees. The driver was found trapped under the vehicle when emergency service personnel arrived at the scene.

The driver, a 62 year old Burnie woman, sustained life threatening injuries and was extricated by attending emergency services personnel.  She was taken to the North West Regional Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

It is believed that alcohol was a significant contributing factor in the crash, compounded by the driver failing to wear her seat belt.

As a result of the crash, vehicles were diverted around the Randall Street and Bird Street junction while police investigated the crash.

Tasmanian Fire Service personnel, Tasmanian Ambulance Service personnel, Officers from Burnie Uniform Police, Wynyard Uniform Police, Western Public Order Response Team, Western District Forensic Services and Western District Crash Investigation attended the scene.

Police would like to speak with any witnesses who saw the crash or may have observed the vehicle prior to this incident.  Witnesses are requested to contact 1/C Constable Adam LLOYD from Western District Crash Investigation by phoning 131 444.

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(03) 6230 2296