A 10-year-old girl has died and a woman is in a serious condition after a head-on collision on the Bass Highway near Somerset in Tasmania’s north-west on Thursday evening. Police have launched an investigation into the crash.
Emergency services were called to the Bass Highway, about 3.5 kilometres west of Somerset, at around 5:35 pm on Thursday after reports of a head-on collision. Police said a white Subaru travelling east and a white Toyota Hilux utility travelling west collided.
The girl, a passenger in the Subaru, died at the scene. The female driver of that car suffered serious injuries and was airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where she remains in a serious condition.
The male driver of the Hilux and his passenger were taken to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Part of the Bass Highway was closed in both directions for more than four hours while emergency services and crash investigators attended the scene. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those involved,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.
Police are urging witnesses or anyone with dash-camera footage leading to the incident to contact them on 131 444.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The death of a child in a road crash highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on Tasmania’s highways.
- The serious injury to the driver underscores the potential long-term impact on those involved.
- The crash investigation may lead to recommendations or charges depending on its findings.
Background
The crash occurred on the Bass Highway, a major arterial road in Tasmania’s north-west. Emergency services responded to a head-on collision between a white Subaru and a white Toyota Hilux. The area was closed for several hours while police and crash investigators worked at the scene.
Key Perspectives
Tasmania Police: Expressed sympathy for those involved and confirmed a crash investigation is underway, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.
What to Watch
- The outcome of the police crash investigation and whether any charges are laid.
- The condition of the seriously injured woman in hospital.
- Any potential road safety measures prompted by the incident.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 3 sources: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedA 10-year-old girl died in a head-on crash on the Bass Highway.Pulse Tasmania: “A 10-year-old girl has died in a head-on crash on the Bass Highway near Somerset.”
- SupportedPolice have launched an investigation into the crash.7NEWS: “Tasmania Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.”
- SupportedThe woman remains in a serious condition.Just In: “The female driver of that car was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where she remains in a serious condition.”
- SupportedThe crash was about 3.5 kilometres west of Somerset at around 5:35pm on Thursday.Pulse Tasmania: “Emergency services were called to the crash, around 3.5km west of Somerset, at around 5:35pm on Thursday.”
- SupportedPolice said an eastbound white Subaru and a westbound white Toyota Hilux utility collided head-on.Pulse Tasmania: “Police said a white Subaru travelling east and a white Toyota Hilux utility travelling west collided head-on.”
- SupportedThe girl was a passenger in the Subaru and died at the scene.Pulse Tasmania: “The girl was a passenger in the Subaru and died at the scene.”
- SupportedThe Subaru’s female driver suffered serious injuries.Pulse Tasmania: “Its driver, a woman, was seriously injured.”
- SupportedThe woman was airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to Royal Hobart Hospital.Pulse Tasmania: “The Westpac Rescue Helicopter flew her to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where she remains in a serious condition.”
- SupportedThe Hilux driver and passenger were taken to North West Regional Hospital in Burnie.Pulse Tasmania: “They were taken to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.”
- SupportedThe Hilux occupants’ injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.Pulse Tasmania: “They were taken to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.”
- SupportedPart of the Bass Highway was closed in both directions for more than four hours while emergency services and crash investigators attended.Pulse Tasmania: “Part of the Bass Highway was closed in both directions for more than four hours while emergency services and crash investigators were at the scene.”
- SupportedPolice said, “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those involved.”7NEWS: ““Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those involved,” police said in a statement.”