On Wednesday 12^th September 2012, at approximately 1300 hrs, Deloraine Police were notified of a bus crash on the Bass Highway between Elizabeth Town and Christmas Hills.

Upon arrival police observed an 11 seater Toyota Hiace van with extensive damage resting against an Aurora power pole. Police also observed a waste disposal truck and a double axel trailer resting several metres away.

The van was carrying a number of elderly passengers, some of which were trapped in the vehicle. Two of the passengers were found to be deceased within the van whilst a third person later died at the Launceston General Hospital as a result of their injuries.

The remaining occupants were taken to the Launceston General Hospital and the Mersey General Hospital with a number of injuries, some life threatening.

From initial investigations at the scene it appears that the waste disposal truck was travelling in an easterly direction towing a trailer, whilst the van was travelling in a westerly direction. The towed trailer appears to have struck the van causing the van to loose control and collide with an Aurora power pole.

The scene was attended by Deloraine uniform, Northern Accident Investigation, Northern Forensic Services, Northern Traffic Services and also Latrobe uniform. Tas Ambulance, SES, Tasfire and Transport also attended the scene.

The road was closed for several hours whilst the scene could be examined and cleared.

Police would like to thank the members of the public who stopped and gave assistance and support to the injured.

Anyone who witnessed the accident, or the vehicles being driven prior to the accident, is urged to contact Northern Crash Investigation on 63363923.

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