Fatal two-carcrash

Woman, 83, dies and one vehicle ends up in bay

THE cause of a night-time crash that claimed the life of an elderly woman on Hobart’s Eastern Shore remains under investigation and may not be known for weeks, police say.

The woman, 83, died at the scene of the crash on South Arm Road between Lauderdale and Sandford where the road has water on both sides.

It continues a horror year on Tasmanian roads, with 33 lives lost so far in 2020.

Police said she was driving northbound in a white Mitsubishi SUV when her vehicle and a blue Volvo station wagon collided headon.

As a result of the impact, the Volvo ended up in shallow water in Ralphs Bay, but the man driving that car, the sole occupant, had little difficulty exiting the vehicle.

Passers-by came to the aid of both drivers to perform first aid and the man, aged in his 40s from the South Arm area, was taken to hospital by ambulance.

His injuries are not believed to be serious.

But despite the efforts of civilians and those of emergency services, the elderly woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Inspector Brian Edmonds said investigations were ongoing and he would not speculate on a possible cause of the crash.

“The investigation will take its course and, depending on the evidence available, it may take some weeks to determine the likely cause,’’ hesaid.

Inspector Edmonds said the incident was tragic.

“Our sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends of the lady and other people involved, and including the first responders that have to turn up to these traffic and devastating events as part of their jobs in the community ,’’ he said.

“Over the last few years, that section of road has seen a number of accidents and it’s a timely warning to all motorists that you need to drive to the conditions and be very careful on winding or narrow roads.”

Inspector Edmonds said every fatality was one too many.

“These accidents are a real tragedy but we urge the community that everyone has a responsibility to do what they can to drive safely and drive to the conditions,’’ hesaid.

Due to the seriousness of the crash, the road was closed for about five hours while police attended the scene and the vehicles were removed.