A Northern taxi driver who police say crossed to the wrong side of a road and crashed into a tree, critically injuring one of his three passengers, has been released after testing. Latest from police >
The 53-year-old man was left with minor injuries as a result of the crash, which happened on Sunday at 4.45am on Illawarra Rd, Longford.
Speaking to media at Launceston on Sunday afternoon, Acting Inspector Stuart Greenwood said three passengers had been travelling in the taxi to a Longford address when the crash occurred.
“Investigations at the scene [have] shown that the taxi crossed to the incorrect side of the road, it has travelled some 60 metres off the road, down an embankment, and struck a tree,” Inspector Stuart Greenwood said.
A pair of Longford women, aged 29 and 31, are reported to be in serious conditions, while a 32-year-old woman from Summerhill is in a critical condition.
Crash investigation services are working to determine the cause of the crash. Picture: PATRICK GEE
They are currently receiving care at Launceston General Hospital.
Inspector Greenwood said the taxi driver had been taken to hospital where he received mandatory testing.
Crash investigation services, as well as forensic police were sent to the scene of the crash to determine its cause – but Inspector Greenwod said it was still too early to know exactly what happened.
“It’s very early days yet – speaking with investigators [it’s] too early to determine the exact cause,” he said.
He said factors including whether or not the passengers were wearing seatbelts would be investigated.
“With an investigation like this, we like to get all our evidence and scene surveys and the like complete so we are in the best position to find out exactly what’s occurred,” he said.
The taxi driver will be interviewed at a later date.
Tasmania Police earlier said investigators had been expected to remain at the site for “several hours”.
Motorists were asked to avoid the area while investigations were conducted.
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