A young woman has died in a serious crash in Tasmania’s north this afternoon, marking a devastating start to the long weekend.
The 21-year-old was traveling towards Cressy on Poatina Road when the rental van she was in veered off the road around 2pm on Friday.
Tasmania Police Inspector Craig Fox said the cause of the crash was “unknown” at this stage.
“Within that van were several passengers … three … people have been taken to the LGH (Launceston General Hospital),” he said.
“The lady is from an international address so we have not notified the next of kin yet.”
Fox said her identity and nationality are still to be confirmed.
“We believe the van was occupied by several tourists travelling around Tasmania, experiencing the beautiful state and weather and unfortunately the trip has now ended in tragic circumstances,” he said.
“We don’t know if the passengers were wearing seatbelts, that will be determined by the crash investigation.”
Police are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage of the Toyota van traveling in the area prior to the incident to contact them on 131 444.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Serious crash ahead of long weekend closes 16km section of Poatina Road
Earlier: A serious crash has closed a key road between the Northern Midlands and the Great Lake as travellers hit the road for the long weekend.
Poatina Road was shut shortly before 3pm on Friday following a car crash approximately 2km south of the Poatina Lookout.
Police have indicated that there are reports of serious injuries.
A 16km section of the road will remain closed from the Poatina Village intersection to Poatina Intake Road until further notice.
Tasmania Police Western Road Policing Services Inspector Adam Spencer this morning said that officers were preparing for a surge in road users heading for camping trips or beach outings over the long weekend.
“Our road policing officers are always patrolling across the state and this long weekend will be no different,” he said.
“If you are tempted in the forecast hot weather to drink and then get behind the wheel, there is a high chance you will encounter police.”
“They could be sitting near a pub at Rosebery in an unmarked car at 10pm, or covering every exit from a hotel in Ulverstone … they could on the beach at Sandy Cape or the tracks around Macquarie Heads, patrolling Hobart in the early hours of the morning or driving on the East Tamar Highway at any time of the day.”
