June 9, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A fatal single-vehicle crash occurred on Sunday, May 31, 2025 , at approximately 4:30 pm on the South Western Highway , near the intersection of Coolup East Road , in Coolup, Western Australia , about 100 km south of Perth .

The incident involved a 2003 Nissan Patrol that veered off the road and struck a tree , resulting in the death of the driver — a 62-year-old man — and serious injuries to a nine-year-old boy who was a passenger.

The injured child was airlifted to Perth Children’s Hospital for urgent treatment.

Victoria Police are investigating the cause of the crash and have urged witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

“The driver… died at the scene.”
— Police statement

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Sunday, May 31, 2025 (approximately 4:30 pm).
  • Location: South Western Highway, near **Coolup East Road**, **Coolup, Western Australia** — a rural stretch of highway.

Vehicles Involved

  • A **2003 Nissan Patrol**, driven by a **62-year-old man** who died at the scene.
  • A **nine-year-old boy** was a **passenger** and suffered **serious injuries** after the vehicle struck a tree.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • The **driver of the car**, a **62-year-old man**, was pronounced dead at the scene after the collision.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • The **nine-year-old boy** was taken to **Perth Children’s Hospital** in **critical condition** following the crash.

Emergency Response

  • Paramedics responded quickly to reports of a serious crash involving a car and a tree.
  • The driver was confirmed dead at the site, while the child was assessed and airlifted to hospital for further care.

“A man has died and a boy has been seriously injured as a car smashed into a tree.”
— 7NEWS report

Police Investigation
Western Australia Police are examining:

  • The sequence of events leading to the **single-vehicle crash** on the **South Western Highway**.
  • Road conditions, visibility, and potential contributing factors such as **speed, distraction, or mechanical failure**.
  • Dashcam or CCTV footage from the **South Western Highway near Coolup East Road** around **4:30 pm on May 31, 2025**.

Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information or video evidence to contact Crime Stoppers or submit details via Policelink .

Community Impact
This tragic event has raised concerns about road safety in rural areas , particularly during afternoon hours when visibility may be reduced. It serves as a reminder to all drivers to remain alert and cautious on highway routes like the South Western Highway .

Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the South Western Highway near Coolup East Road around 4:30 pm on May 31, 2025 , is urged to contact authorities:

  • Crime Stoppers WA: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
  • Witness Reporting: Contact **WA Police** directly via local station or through the official website.