A devastating crash on the Bass Highway at Elizabeth Town, Tasmania, has left three people dead and two others critically injured, prompting a major emergency response and the closure of the highway in both directions.

The two-vehicle collision occurred Friday afternoon, September 4, near the intersection with Gannons Hill Road. Police and emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 2pm after reports of a serious crash.

According to updated reports, the collision involved a white Chery and a white Isuzu D-MAX that was towing a trailer. Emergency crews arrived to find five people involved in the crash, with two women in the Chery and three men in the D-MAX.

Tragically, the two women in the Chery were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the men travelling in the D-MAX was also declared dead at the crash site.

The two remaining men suffered critical injuries. One was transported by rescue helicopter to the Royal Hobart Hospital, while the other was taken by ambulance to Launceston General Hospital for treatment.

The scale of the collision prompted a significant response from Tasmania Police, Ambulance Tasmania, the Tasmania Fire Service, and the State Emergency Service. A rescue helicopter was also dispatched as emergency personnel worked to assist those injured and secure the scene.

The Bass Highway was closed in both directions for several hours as emergency crews attended to the victims and investigators began examining the circumstances of the crash. Motorists were urged to avoid the area and follow traffic diversions while the road remained closed.

The incident has caused considerable disruption for motorists travelling through the Elizabeth Town area, but the road closure was necessary to allow emergency responders and crash investigators to safely carry out their work.

Police have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators will examine the vehicles, roadway, witness accounts, and any other available evidence as they work to determine what led to the fatal crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner as part of the investigation. Authorities have also appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage of either vehicle before the crash to come forward.

The tragedy has left families and loved ones facing an enormous loss. Three lives were lost in the collision, while two other people remain critically injured and are receiving medical treatment.

For the Elizabeth Town community and everyone affected by the crash, the incident is a stark reminder of how quickly a journey on a familiar highway can turn into a devastating tragedy.

As investigators continue their work, further details may emerge about the circumstances leading to the collision. Authorities are expected to provide additional information when it becomes available and appropriate to release.

For now, the Bass Highway crash remains a major tragedy in Tasmania, with three people confirmed dead and two others critically injured following Friday afternoon’s collision near Elizabeth Town.