Two people have died following a crash on the East Derwent Highway at Old Beach, marking the fourth road fatality in Tasmania in just four days.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene near Cassidys Road shortly before noon on Tuesday after reports of a collision between a Holden Barina hatchback and a Mitsubishi Triton utility.
Both people killed were occupants of the Barina.
The driver of the utility was not physically injured.
Tasmania Police Inspector Brenda Orr said identification of the two people who died was yet to be finalised and their relationship to each other was not yet known.
“Sadly, police can confirm that the two occupants of the Barina died at the scene,” she said.
“Our hearts go out to the families and the loved ones of the two people who have died in today’s crash.”
Orr said the crash was under investigation by Crash Investigation Services and forensics officers, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.
She urged drivers to take extra care on winter roads.
“This time of year in particular presents additional pressures and challenges with often wet conditions, longer hours of darkness and potential for ice and slippery conditions,” she said.
“Always drive to the conditions.”
Asked whether wet weather may have played a role, Orr said driving conditions were always taken into consideration but the cause would not be finally determined until the coroner reviewed the matter.
She said the scene was complex and confronting for first responders.
“Any loss of life on our road is particularly devastating, especially when it impacts two people,” she said.
“Having lost four lives on our roads over the last few days is incredibly confronting.”
The East Derwent Highway re-opened to traffic shortly after 5:30pm.
The crash is the third fatal incident on Tasmanian roads since Friday.
A 52-year-old George Town woman died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash at Hillwood on the Batman Highway on Friday.
A north-west man aged in his 60s died in hospital after a two-vehicle crash at Carrick on the Bass Highway on Monday.
The 2026 Tasmanian road toll now stands at 16, compared to 25 at this time last year.
Orr also provided an update on a separate crash at New Norfolk on Monday night, saying a 17-year-old taken to hospital was in a serious but stable condition and an 18-year-old female passenger had been released.
Anyone with information or dash cam footage of the Old Beach crash should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.
