Two people have died after being struck by a falling tree during severe weather currently battering Tasmania’s north-west.
The pair were outside on private property when the tree came down. Police say both were declared deceased at the scene.
Tasmania Police Acting Commander Brenda Orr said emergency services were called to the incident around midday on Friday and remain at the site.
“It appears that the severe weather has resulted in a tree falling on private property resulting in the death of those two people,” she said.
“No other people have been injured. Both people were on private property, out in the open, when a tree fell.”
Orr said further details about the victims and the location could not yet be released.
“It’s very early stages … we need to make sure that the family and those people affected are notified first,” she said.
A report is being prepared for the coroner, who will conduct a full investigation.
The tragedy comes as damaging winds and heavy rain continue to lash the north and north-west, with emergency services responding to numerous fallen trees and crashes across the region.
Orr urged Tasmanians to reconsider travelling or spending time outdoors while the dangerous conditions persist.
“Any loss of life is always tragic and this is particularly tragic,” Orr said.
SES crews have received around 72 requests for assistance across the state today, mostly for wind-related damage.
One home in the north-west lost its entire roof, with the majority of calls for help coming from the Burnie and Devonport areas.
