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Incident Overview
A fatal crash occurred on Albany Highway at the entrance to Tonkin Highway in Gosnells, Perth’s southeast, resulting in the death of a 39-year-old male driver of a Holden Commodore ute. The collision involved a Toyota LandCruiser tray-top, and the incident has prompted a major investigation by WA Police. Guns were reportedly found inside the wreckage of the Holden, adding complexity to the inquiry.
Location and Time
The crash occurred on Albany Highway at the intersection with Tonkin Highway in Gosnells, Perth’s southeast. The incident took place just after 10:30 am on Monday, February 10, 2025 .
Vehicles Involved
The crash involved two vehicles: a Holden Commodore ute, driven by the deceased 39-year-old male, and a Toyota LandCruiser tray-top, driven by a 68-year-old man who sustained minor injuries.
Crash Description
The Holden Commodore ute collided with the Toyota LandCruiser at the busy intersection of Albany Highway and Tonkin Highway. The impact was severe, leaving the Holden extensively damaged and the Toyota with significant damage. Witnesses described the scene as “very confronting.” Dashcam footage reportedly showed the Holden driver almost side-swiping another vehicle on the Kwinana Freeway before pulling into oncoming traffic. Police have confirmed that guns were found inside the wreckage of the Holden, with officers seen bagging up what appeared to be two rifles at the scene.
Injuries/Fatalities
The 39-year-old male driver of the Holden suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The 68-year-old driver of the Toyota LandCruiser sustained minor injuries and was transported to Armadale Hospital for medical treatment.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics and police, were dispatched to the scene shortly after 10:30 am. Despite their efforts, the Holden driver succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. Police secured the area and began their investigation, which included examining the firearms found in the wreckage. Albany Highway was closed between the Tonkin Highway northbound entry and Page Road for several hours, causing significant traffic disruptions. The road reopened later in the afternoon, as confirmed by Main Roads WA.
Investigation
WA Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Sources indicate that the Holden driver had made threats to harm himself prior to the incident, raising questions about his state of mind. However, police have stated there is no evidence to suggest the crash was deliberate. Investigators are examining potential factors such as speed, driver behavior, road conditions, or mechanical issues. Dashcam footage from nearby vehicles and witness statements are being sought to piece together the events leading up to the collision.
Witnesses/Appeals
WA Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to drivers or pedestrians who were traveling on Albany Highway near the Tonkin Highway intersection around 10:30 am on Monday, February 10, 2025 . Dashcam or CCTV footage from nearby properties may also provide valuable evidence and can be submitted to investigators.
Community Impact
The tragic loss of life and the discovery of firearms at the crash site have deeply affected the Gosnells community and broader Perth region. Residents have expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased, while the incident has raised concerns about road safety at this busy intersection. The temporary closure of Albany Highway caused significant traffic disruptions, highlighting the broader impact of such incidents on daily commutes and regional travel.
Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors could include excessive speed, driver distraction, fatigue, or environmental conditions such as road surface or weather. The mental state of the Holden driver, as well as the presence of firearms in the vehicle, may also be considered as part of the inquiry.