October 30, 2025

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Incident Overview
Police have confirmed that the driver involved in the crash that killed 74-year-old Australia Post worker Theena Barton may have been involved in a separate collision just minutes before the fatal incident in West Perth.

Major Crash detectives are now appealing for motorists who travelled northbound on Perth’s Kwinana Freeway between the Narrows Bridge and Hay Street between 6:30 am and 6:40 am on Monday, October 27, 2025, to provide dashcam footage.

Investigators believe the Isuzu D-Max ute involved in the crash that killed Barton was also connected to an earlier, non-injury collision with a Suzuki Vitara shortly before the fatal crash.

The fatal incident occurred when the D-Max collided with Barton’s StarTrack-marked Hyundai Tucson at the Mitchell Freeway off-ramp and Hay Street intersection, sending both vehicles through the wall of an office building and into its underground carpark.

“As inquiries continue, police believe the Isuzu D-Max may have been involved in an earlier collision with a Suzuki Vitara. No injuries were reported from the earlier incident.” — WA Police statement

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Monday, October 27, 2025 (fatal collision occurred at approximately 6:40 am)
  • Earlier Incident: Northbound Kwinana Freeway between Narrows Bridge and Hay Street, 6:30–6:40 am
  • Fatal Crash Site: Intersection of Mitchell Freeway off-ramp and Hay Street, West Perth, Western Australia

Vehicles Involved

  • Isuzu D-Max ute — driven by 38-year-old man (under investigation; sustained minor injuries)
  • Hyundai Tucson (StarTrack-marked vehicle) — driven by 74-year-old postal worker Theena Barton (fatality)
  • Suzuki Vitara — involved in earlier minor collision (no injuries reported)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • 74-year-old StarTrack driver Theena Barton — declared deceased at the scene.
  • Other Injuries:
    • 38-year-old male D-Max driver — minor injuries, remains in hospital under observation.
  • Earlier Collision:
    • No injuries reported from suspected earlier crash between Isuzu D-Max and Suzuki Vitara.

Police Investigation
The WA Police Major Crash Investigation Section is expanding its inquiries to include both collisions:

  • Determining whether the D-Max driver’s alleged **medical episode (possibly epilepsy-related)** contributed to both incidents.
  • Reviewing CCTV and dashcam footage from Kwinana Freeway northbound between Narrows Bridge and Hay Street.
  • Examining the mechanical condition of both vehicles involved.
  • Reconstructing the crash sequence to determine the timeline from the first impact to the fatal collision.

Police confirmed no charges have yet been laid, and the investigation remains ongoing.

“Due to the high volume of traffic in the area at the time, investigators are hopeful that motorists may have dash-cam footage relevant to the incident.” — WA Police

Family and Community Response
Barton’s family continues to mourn the loss of the Noranda grandmother, describing her as a “giving person who made the world a better place.” Her daughter, Justine Russell, said the family remains in disbelief.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral arrangements and memorial costs, while tributes continue to flow from colleagues, friends, and fellow postal workers across Western Australia.

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

Australia Post and StarTrack have reiterated their condolences, supporting Barton’s family and colleagues through grief counselling and internal tributes.

Appeal for Information
WA Police are urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the Kwinana Freeway and Hay Street area between 6:30 am and 6:40 am on October 27 to contact:

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