Multiple elderly people are in a serious condition tonight after a head-on, three-vehicle crash on the Huon Highway near Franklin.
The collision happened around 1:30pm on Saturday and involved a white Suzuki, a silver Suzuki and a white ute towing a car on a trailer.
According to police, early investigations suggest the white Suzuki had “slowed to a stop” in the southbound lane to give way to oncoming traffic.
The driver was preparing to turn into a driveway when the ute towing the trailer came around a corner.
Images from the scene show skid marks on the road, caused when the ute’s driver braked hard and lost control of the trailer and its load.
The ute then slammed into the white Suzuki, pushing it over the double white lines and into the path of oncoming traffic, where it collided with the silver Suzuki carrying the elderly people.
Emergency crews responded quickly, with two helicopters airlifting the elderly patients to the Royal Hobart Hospital. The ute driver was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
“This incident serves as a timely reminder for all drivers to ensure any load being towed is within the specified limits of the trailer and tow vehicle and that all loads are properly secured,” police said.
“Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash, but all drivers have undergone mandatory blood testing.”
Anyone who saw the crash or has relevant dashcam footage is urged to contact police.
