Tasmania Police Appeal for Safe Driving as Road Toll Doubles, Two Fatalities Confirmed – April 17, 2025

Incident Overview
Two people have tragically lost their lives in separate road accidents in Tasmania on Thursday, April 17, 2025 , prompting police to issue an urgent appeal for safe driving over the Easter long weekend. The fatalities bring the state’s road toll to 16 deaths this year—double the number recorded during the same period last year.

The first incident occurred at approximately 8:30 am in Glenorchy , Hobart, when a 48-year-old male motorcyclist collided with a white Holden Captiva on the Brooker Highway , near the Elwick Road intersection . Despite attempts by police and paramedics to revive him, the rider died at the scene.

In the second incident, a 27-year-old woman died after her Mazda sedan collided with a Subaru wagon on Johnston Road at St Leonards , near Launceston, at around 5:20 pm . Her 32-year-old male passenger was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition, while the driver of the Subaru was uninjured.

Authorities are investigating both crashes and appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist with inquiries.

Location and Time

• Motorcycle Crash: Brooker Highway, Glenorchy (near Elwick Road intersection), Hobart, at 8:30 am on April 17, 2025.
• Car Collision: Johnston Road, St Leonards, near Launceston, at 5:20 pm on April 17, 2025.

Vehicles Involved

• Motorcycle Crash: A black motorcycle ridden by a 48-year-old man collided with a white Holden Captiva.
• Car Collision: A Mazda sedan driven by a 27-year-old woman collided with a Subaru wagon.

Injuries/Fatalities

• Motorcycle Crash:
  • Fatality: The 48-year-old motorcyclist died at the scene.
  • No injuries reported for the occupants of the Holden Captiva.
• Car Collision:
  • Fatality: The 27-year-old female driver of the Mazda sedan died at the scene.
  • Serious Injury: The 32-year-old male passenger was airlifted to Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition.
  • No injuries reported for the driver of the Subaru wagon.

Emergency Response

• In the motorcycle crash, police and paramedics provided CPR to the rider, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
• In the car collision, authorities attempted CPR on the female driver, but she also died at the scene. Her passenger was flown to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Police Investigation

• Motorcycle Crash:
  • A **Professional Standards investigation** has been opened to determine the cause of the crash.
  • Commander Jason Elmer confirmed that police had attempted to intercept the motorcycle for “traffic-related matters” before it evaded them at high speed. However, police disengaged prior to the crash, which occurred after the motorcycle allegedly ran a red light.
• Car Collision:
  • Authorities are preparing a report for the coroner.
  • Investigators are examining the circumstances leading to the collision, including road conditions, visibility, and potential driver behaviors.

Commander Elmer described the rising road toll as “disappointing” and “frustrating,” particularly in incidents like the motorcycle crash, which he said “could have absolutely been avoided.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information about either crash or who may have dashcam/CCTV footage to come forward:

• Tasmania Police: Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.
• Witnesses are encouraged to provide details about the vehicles involved, driver behavior, or any other relevant observations.

Road Safety Context
The Tasmanian road toll has reached 16 deaths so far this year, compared to just 8 deaths during the same period last year—a concerning doubling of fatalities. Commander Elmer emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, particularly during the busy Easter period, when increased traffic volumes heighten the risk of accidents.

Authorities will maintain an increased presence on roads over the Easter long weekend to enforce compliance and promote safety.