August 21, 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 utility carrying six people veered off Orrong Road in Rivervale, Perth, and crashed through a brick fence into a house in October 2024. The crash killed three passengers and seriously injured two others. The driver, 23-year-old Zack Thomas Heylen, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of manslaughter and two counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.

“Police allege Mr Heylen was travelling at 114 kilometres per hour before the crash.” — WA Police statement

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: October 2024 (specific date not provided)
  • Location: Orrong Road, Rivervale, Perth, Western Australia

Vehicles Involved

  • Utility vehicle (designed to carry five people, but carrying six at the time)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • Two 22-year-old men and a 34-year-old man, all passengers in the ute, died at the scene.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • A 19-year-old man and a 23-year-old man sustained injuries and were transported to Royal Perth Hospital.
  • No Injuries:
    • The driver, Zack Heylen, survived with injuries requiring surgery.

Emergency Response

  • Police, paramedics, and fire crews attended the scene following reports of a high-speed crash.
  • Three victims were confirmed deceased at the scene, and two others were stabilised and transported to hospital.
  • The driver was hospitalised with injuries and underwent surgery.

“The driver was the only person wearing a seatbelt in the car.” — WA Police report

Police Investigation
WA Police are examining:

  • The sequence of events leading to the ute leaving Orrong Road and crashing into a fence and house.
  • Contributing factors including alleged speed of 114 km/h in a 70 km/h zone, alcohol consumption (0.095 BAC recorded), and seatbelt non-compliance.
  • Requests for dashcam or CCTV footage from motorists travelling along Orrong Road at the time of the crash.

Community Impact
The Rivervale community was deeply affected, with friends and family leaving floral tributes at the crash site. The deaths of three young men, all friends of the driver, have raised significant concerns about road safety, speeding, and drink driving.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers WA: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestopperswa.com.au](https://www.crimestopperswa.com.au)
  • Witness Reporting: Contact WA Police directly via Policelink or a local police station.