Two women have been seriously injured and airlifted to hospital after a ute carrying five unbelted occupants rolled on a remote beach in Tasmania’s north-east.
Emergency services were called to St Albans Bay near Bridport about 11:30am on Saturday after the white Ford lost control and crashed on the sand.
Because of the remote location, a rescue helicopter was deployed and airlifted one woman to the Royal Hobart Hospital with serious injuries.
Another woman was taken by ambulance to the Launceston General Hospital, also in a serious condition.
Two male passengers and the male driver escaped with minor injuries.
Tasmania Police said early investigations painted a concerning picture of the moments before the crash.
“Initial investigations indicate the occupants of the vehicle were not wearing seatbelts and the vehicle had been hooning just prior to the crash,” police said.
Images from the scene show the ute suffered catastrophic damage.
The roof was heavily crushed and twisted, the windscreen was shattered and the side windows were gone.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone who saw the crash or the vehicle’s driving behaviour beforehand is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
