A serious police investigation is underway in Northern Tasmania after authorities linked a reported stabbing incident in Exeter with a fatal vehicle crash in Legana.
Emergency services were called to a residential property on Main Road, Exeter, at about 4:30pm on Friday, 24 July 2026, following reports that a woman had suffered multiple serious stab wounds. Police said initial investigations indicated the injuries were allegedly caused by a man known to the woman.
The injured woman, aged in her 40s, was taken to hospital and remained in a serious but stable condition. Police established a crime scene at the Exeter property while specialist investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police believe the man involved in the Exeter incident left the property in a blue Skoda before becoming involved in a serious crash shortly afterwards on the West Tamar Highway at Legana.
The crash involved a head-on collision between the blue Skoda and a blue Nissan Navara. Emergency services attended the scene, where the 42-year-old man from Western Australia was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the Nissan Navara, a woman in her 30s, suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment. Police said she was the only occupant of that vehicle.
Multiple Tasmania Police teams, including detectives, crash investigators and forensic specialists, are continuing inquiries into both incidents. Authorities are working to establish the full sequence of events and the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
Police have appealed for information from members of the public, particularly anyone who may have dashcam footage or witnessed the vehicles travelling before the crash. Information from motorists and residents may assist investigators in understanding what occurred.
The incident has affected multiple people, including the injured women, their families and emergency responders involved in managing the scenes. Tasmania Police have expressed support for those impacted while investigations continue.
Authorities have not released further details about possible motives or charges while the investigation remains active. The matter will continue to be examined through police investigations and relevant legal processes.
The events have highlighted the challenges faced by emergency services when responding to connected violent incidents and road crashes. Police continue to encourage anyone with information to contact Tasmania Police or Crime Stoppers Tasmania.
