Two people were killed in a serious road crash at Old Beach, north of Hobart, on Tuesday.
According to Tasmania Police, the crash occurred shortly before midday on the East Derwent Highway when a Holden Barina hatchback and a Mitsubishi Triton utility vehicle collided. The two occupants of the Barina died at the scene. The driver of the Triton was not injured.
Police said the identities of the deceased had not yet been formally confirmed as investigators continued their inquiries into the circumstances leading up to the collision.
Emergency services, crash investigators and forensic officers remained at the scene for several hours, forcing the closure of the East Derwent Highway between Baskerville Road and Cassidys Road while evidence was gathered. The road was later reopened.
Acting Southern Commander Brenda Orr urged motorists to take extra care during winter conditions, noting that wet roads, reduced daylight hours and the potential for icy surfaces can significantly increase driving risks.
The tragedy continues a difficult period for road safety in Tasmania. Police reported that four people had died on Tasmanian roads since the previous Friday, bringing the state's road toll for 2026 to 16 fatalities.
Investigators are appealing for anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage to contact police as they work to determine the cause of the crash.
