Tragedy in split second

A “DISTRAUGHT” wife watched on in horror as her husband was struck down by a car and fatally injured on a busy Hobart street yesterday morning.

The 61-year-old was stepping off the footpath on Davey St, near the St Michael’s Collegiate School pool, when he was hit by a white Holden Viva sedan about 9.30am.

Police were last night still trying to piece together what happened but said excessive speed and the use of alcohol or drugs were not suspected as contributing factors.

Tasmania Police Inspector Rob Blackwood said members of the public who had witnessed the crash assisted with lifting the car off the man so he could be reached by paramedics.

“When police arrived at the scene, the car was on top of the male,” he said.

“Removing the car was the only possible way for us to provide treatment to him. He was worked on here at the scene for at least 40 minutes, but unfortunately he was pronounced dead at the hospital.”

Paramedics were seen loading the man into the back of an ambulance just after 10am.

Inspector Blackwood said the man’s wife was present when he was struck down.

“Obviously she is very distraught at the moment and she’s got family with her providing support,” he said. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

The driver of the Holden, a 37year-old Swansea woman, was not physically injured during the crash and is assisting police with their investigation.

A number of witnesses were also taken to nearby Anglesea Barracks for questioning.

Davey St was closed between Molle St and Harrington St for about two hours, causing traffic delays across the city.

Two lanes were reopened just before noon and all lanes were cleared by 1pm.

Crash Investigation and Forensic personnel examined the scene and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The road was dry and visibility was clear at the time of the incident.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have seen the Holden sedan or the pedestrian around the time of the crash.

Information can be provided by calling 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.