October 29, 2025

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Incident Overview
Beloved Australia Post and StarTrack driver Theena Barton, 74, has been identified as the woman killed in a devastating crash in West Perth on Monday morning, October 27, 2025.

The crash occurred around 6:30 am at the intersection of the Mitchell Freeway off-ramp and Hay Street, where Barton’s Hyundai Tucson SUV — a marked StarTrack vehicle — was struck by an Isuzu D-Max ute, sending both vehicles crashing through the front of an office building and into its underground carpark.

Despite paramedics’ efforts, Barton died at the scene. The 38-year-old male driver of the Isuzu ute sustained minor injuries and remains hospitalised at Royal Perth Hospital’s trauma unit.

Major Crash Investigators are examining whether the ute driver may have suffered a medical episode related to epilepsy, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle.

“Witnesses have said she was standing outside the car … and we’re hoping with comfort that she passed away quickly.” — Justine Russell, daughter of Theena Barton

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Monday, October 27, 2025 (approximately 6:30 am)
  • Location: Intersection of Mitchell Freeway off-ramp and Hay Street, West Perth, Western Australia

Vehicles Involved

  • StarTrack-marked Hyundai Tucson — driven by 74-year-old postal worker Theena Barton (fatality)
  • Isuzu D-Max ute — driven by 38-year-old man (injured, hospitalised)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • Theena Barton, 74 — long-serving StarTrack driver, killed while delivering mail. Declared deceased at the scene.
  • Other Injuries:
    • 38-year-old male Isuzu driver — sustained minor injuries, remains under treatment at Royal Perth Hospital.

Emergency Response

  • Fire and Rescue teams and police responded around 6:40 am following reports of vehicles embedded in a building.
  • Crews stabilised the crash scene to prevent collapse and used cranes to remove both vehicles from the underground carpark.
  • The intersection and off-ramp were closed for several hours while **Major Crash detectives** conducted a scene reconstruction.
  • Hay Street reopened to traffic by midday after structural engineers cleared the building as safe.

“It is a complex situation when vehicles leave the road and impact other structures, so this is going to be a drawn-out process.” — DFES Incident Controller Gareth Deeg

Police Investigation
The WA Police Major Crash Investigation Section is examining:

  • Whether the 38-year-old driver of the Isuzu ute suffered a **medical episode** prior to the crash.
  • The sequence of events that led to both vehicles leaving the roadway and crashing into the building.
  • Road layout, speed, and mechanical integrity of the vehicles involved.
  • Witness testimony and dashcam footage from motorists travelling through the Mitchell Freeway off-ramp and Hay Street between 6:20 am and 6:40 am.

Family and Community Tributes
Family members visited the crash site on Tuesday, describing Barton as a loving grandmother, wife, and “the light of her husband’s life.” Her daughter Justine Russell said the family was still in disbelief, calling Theena “a giving person who only wanted laughter, happiness, and love.”

“She just made the world a better place, and now the world’s going to be very dull without her.” — Justine Russell, daughter

Tributes have flooded social media, including one from the family of Lisa McGrechan, another postal worker killed in 2009:

“Another Australia Post angel getting her wings.”

Australia Post expressed its condolences, saying:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our valued team member. We are focused on supporting her family and workmates at this difficult time.” — Australia Post

Barton had worked with StarTrack for more than 20 years and was known for her dedication, warmth, and kindness. She had no plans to retire.

Community Impact
The tragedy has shaken both the postal community and residents of West Perth, highlighting the risks faced by workers on urban delivery routes. Australia Post and StarTrack colleagues have established internal memorials in her honour.

The Barton family and investigators have urged witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage is urged to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers WA: Call 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at [www.crimestopperswa.com.au](https://www.crimestopperswa.com.au)
  • WA Police Major Crash Investigation Section: Provide information directly to investigators.