Vehicle Rolls on Mitchell Freeway, Causes Peak-Hour Chaos in Perth – February 26, 2025

Incident Overview
A vehicle rolled onto its roof on Perth’s Mitchell Freeway during Wednesday afternoon peak-hour traffic, causing significant disruptions for commuters. The incident occurred near the Hepburn Avenue exit in Duncraig on February 26, 2025 , when the car went over a barrier and came to rest upside down between the freeway and nearby train tracks. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, and the driver, a man in his 50s, was transported to Joondalup Health Campus with non-life-threatening injuries. Train services to and from Whitfords Station were suspended, and traffic was reduced to a single lane, leading to extensive delays.

Location and Time
The crash took place near the Hepburn Avenue exit on the Mitchell Freeway in Duncraig, a northern suburb of Perth. The incident occurred during peak-hour traffic at approximately Wednesday afternoon, February 26, 2025 , creating chaos for commuters traveling northbound.

Vehicles Involved
The crash involved a single vehicle—a car that rolled over a barrier and landed upside down between the Mitchell Freeway and adjacent train tracks. The vehicle sustained significant damage, and its position posed challenges for emergency responders working to clear the scene.

Crash Description
According to reports, the car veered off the road, went over a barrier, and rolled onto its roof, coming to rest dangerously close to train tracks near the Hepburn Avenue exit. An image shared by Main Roads WA showed the vehicle upside down between the freeway and the railway line, highlighting the severity of the incident.

Emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, arrived promptly at the scene. Paramedics assessed the driver, a man in his 50s, who was conscious and breathing when they arrived. He was taken to Joondalup Health Campus with non-life-threatening injuries.

The proximity of the overturned vehicle to the train tracks prompted the suspension of train services to and from Whitfords Station as a precautionary measure. Authorities worked to safely remove the vehicle and restore normal operations on both the freeway and railway line.

Injuries/Fatalities

• The driver, a man in his 50s, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Joondalup Health Campus for treatment.

No other individuals were injured in the crash.

Emergency Response
Police, ambulance crews, and railway officials responded swiftly to the scene to manage the situation. Traffic was reduced to a single lane on the Mitchell Freeway as emergency personnel worked to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of commuters. Train services were temporarily suspended while authorities assessed the risk posed by the overturned vehicle’s proximity to the tracks.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, such as Wanneroo Road or Marmion Avenue, to bypass the congestion. Traffic remained heavy throughout the afternoon as emergency services worked to resolve the situation.

Traffic Disruptions
The crash caused significant delays for commuters heading north on the Mitchell Freeway during peak-hour traffic. With only one lane operational, vehicles experienced long queues and slow-moving traffic. Additionally, the suspension of train services to and from Whitfords Station added to the travel chaos, leaving many passengers stranded or forced to find alternative modes of transport.

Authorities urged motorists to allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes to minimize delays. Updates were provided via Main Roads WA and local news outlets to keep the public informed of progress at the scene.

Community Impact
The incident has highlighted the potential dangers of accidents on high-traffic freeways like the Mitchell Freeway, particularly during peak hours. Residents expressed relief that the driver survived the crash with non-life-threatening injuries but voiced concerns about the lack of barriers or safety measures to prevent vehicles from crossing into train tracks.

Commuters faced frustration due to the extensive delays, with some taking to social media to share their experiences. Many praised the quick response of emergency services but emphasized the need for improved infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Investigation
Authorities are conducting an investigation into the crash, focusing on several key areas:

• The cause of the vehicle leaving the road and rolling over the barrier.
• Potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure.
• Road conditions and the adequacy of barriers along the freeway.

Main Roads WA is reviewing the incident to determine whether additional safety measures, such as reinforced barriers, are needed to prevent vehicles from encroaching on train tracks.

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors include:

• Driver error, such as losing control of the vehicle or failing to navigate the roadway safely.
• Road conditions, including visibility or surface issues near the Hepburn Avenue exit.
• Possible distractions or impairments affecting the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
• Inadequate barriers or safety features along the freeway edge.