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Incident Overview
A 38-year-old truck driver tragically lost his life in a fiery crash near Minilya, Western Australia. The white and red Kenworth truck, hauling four trailers loaded with sand and gravel, left the North West Coastal Highway, rolled, and burst into flames. Major Crash detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Location and Time
The crash occurred near Minilya, located in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region, approximately 1,000 kilometers north of Perth. The incident took place just after 11:40 am on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 .
Vehicles Involved
The crash involved a single vehicle: a white and red Kenworth truck towing four trailers filled with sand and gravel. No other vehicles were involved in the collision.
Crash Description
The Kenworth truck left the North West Coastal Highway and rolled, resulting in a fiery crash. Emergency services responded to the scene and extinguished the flames, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck was heavily damaged, and the fire added complexity to the recovery and investigation efforts.
Injuries/Fatalities
The 38-year-old male driver, who was the sole occupant of the truck, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other individuals were involved in the incident.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, were dispatched to the crash site shortly after 11:40 am. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames engulfing the truck, while paramedics attempted to assist the driver. Despite their efforts, the driver could not be saved. Major Crash detectives attended the scene to begin their investigation and manage traffic disruptions.
Investigation
Major Crash detectives are conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators will examine potential factors such as speed, driver behavior, road conditions, or mechanical issues. Authorities are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage that may assist in determining the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Witnesses/Appeals
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 the North West Coastal Highway near Minilya around 11:40 am on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 . Dashcam or CCTV footage from nearby properties may also provide valuable evidence and can be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
Community Impact
The tragic loss of life in this crash has deeply affected the Minilya community and the broader Gascoyne region. Residents have expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased, while the incident has reignited discussions about road safety, particularly for heavy vehicles traveling long distances on remote highways. This crash brings the number of fatalities on Western Australian roads to 18 so far this year, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures.
Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors could include excessive speed, driver fatigue, poor road conditions, or mechanical failure. Environmental conditions such as weather or visibility, as well as the weight and configuration of the truck and its load, may also be considered as part of the inquiry.