Car and ute crashes

Fatal Car or ute WA

Two killed in Mitchell Freeway head-on crash at Butler, WA on Sunday, 09 February 2026

9 February 2026 · about 11:25pm · Mitchell Freeway near Lukin Drive exit, Butler, WA

Published 10 February 2026

Key facts

When
9 Feb 2026Monday, about 11:25pm
Where
Mitchell Freeway near Lukin Drive exit, Butler, WA
Type
Head-on crash involving ute and two hatchbacks
Killed
2 people56-year-old woman, Butler, driver of a hatchback, died at the scene; 24-year-old man, driver of the ute, taken to Joondalup Health Campus in a critical condition and later died
Injured
1 personTwo people, occupants of the second hatchback, sustained non-life-threatening injuries
Investigation
Major Crash, WA PoliceMajor Crash investigators have examined the scene and are investigating the circumstances, including the alleged wrong-way travel of the ute prior to the head-on collision.

What happened

Incident Overview

Two people have died following a late-night head-on crash on Perth’s Mitchell Freeway at Butler involving a ute and two hatchbacks. Police allege the ute was travelling southbound on the wrong side of the freeway when it collided with the two cars near the Lukin Drive exit.

  • Crash Date: Sunday, 09 February 2026 (11:25pm)
  • Location: Mitchell Freeway near Lukin Drive exit, Butler, WA
  • White utility (ute), alleged to be travelling southbound on the wrong side of the freeway
  • Hatchback (driven by a 56-year-old woman)
  • Second hatchback (two occupants injured)
  • Fatalities:
    • 56-year-old woman, Butler, driver of a hatchback, died at the scene
    • 24-year-old man, driver of the ute, taken to Joondalup Health Campus in a critical condition and later died
  • Injuries:
    • Two people, occupants of the second hatchback, sustained non-life-threatening injuries

The crash caused significant disruption on the Mitchell Freeway in Perth’s northern suburbs, with closures for several hours. It is the second fatal head-on collision reported along the same stretch of freeway in recent months, heightening local concern.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended the crash scene on Mitchell Freeway near the Lukin Drive interchange late Sunday night.
  • The 24-year-old male driver was transported to Joondalup Health Campus with critical injuries.
  • Parts of Mitchell Freeway were closed for several hours while the scene was examined and debris cleared, with traffic affected in the area.

Investigation

Major Crash investigators have examined the scene and are investigating the circumstances, including the alleged wrong-way travel of the ute prior to the head-on collision.

  • No charges have been announced.
  • No court appearances have been announced.

Appeal for Information

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage from the area around the Lukin Drive exit at about 11:25pm to come forward.

  • Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
  • Policelink: Call 131 444.
Source
Crime Stoppers QLD: 1800 333 000, Policelink: 131 444

If you were involved in a crash in Queensland

  1. 01Injury claims are usually made against the compulsory third party (CTP) insurer of the vehicle at fault.
  2. 02A Notice of Accident Claim Form is generally due within 9 months of the crash, or within 1 month of first consulting a lawyer, whichever is earlier.
  3. 03Families of people killed in a crash may be able to claim for loss of financial support.

General information only, not legal advice.

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