Key Takeaways
- A pedestrian was hit by a car in a hit-and-run incident in Tasmania’s north west on Christmas Day
- The driver of the car, a 1997 white Holden Commodore station wagon, refused to stop at a breath-testing station and evaded police
- The pedestrian was taken to hospital with no serious injuries
- A 23-year-old man is in custody and assisting police with their inquiries
- Police are calling for witnesses and dash-cam footage to assist with the investigation
Introduction to the Incident
A disturbing incident occurred on Christmas Day in Tasmania’s north west, where a pedestrian was involved in a hit-and-run accident. According to Tasmania Police, the incident took place on Thursday evening, around 10:20pm, when the driver of a 1997 white Holden Commodore station wagon refused to stop at a breath-testing station on the Bass Highway near Round Hill at Burnie. This initial refusal to comply with police instructions set off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to a serious incident.
The Police Chase
As the driver of the Holden Commodore evaded police, officers attempted to intercept the vehicle. However, the driver managed to evade them, and shortly before 10:30pm, the car struck a pedestrian at the intersection of Beattie and Payne Streets. The driver’s actions became even more egregious as they immediately fled the scene, leaving the pedestrian injured and in need of medical attention. The fact that the driver chose to flee the scene rather than stop and assist the pedestrian or wait for police to arrive is a disturbing aspect of this incident.
The Aftermath of the Incident
Fortunately, police were able to locate the station wagon in Burnie on Friday morning, and a 23-year-old Newnham man is currently in custody, assisting police with their inquiries. The pedestrian, who was provided with first aid by officers at the scene, was transported to the North West Regional Hospital with no serious injuries. This is a fortunate outcome, considering the circumstances of the incident. The police’s swift response and actions likely played a significant role in preventing more severe consequences.
The Investigation
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are calling for any witnesses or dash-cam footage that may assist with their inquiries. The car’s registration, EC3109, has been released to the public in the hopes that someone may have seen the vehicle or have information about the incident. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the need for drivers to comply with police instructions.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the hit-and-run incident in Tasmania’s north west on Christmas Day is a disturbing reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving. The fact that the driver chose to flee the scene and evade police is a serious concern, and it is fortunate that the pedestrian did not suffer more severe injuries. The police’s investigation is ongoing, and it is essential that anyone with information comes forward to assist. By working together, we can help to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that our roads are safer for everyone. If you have any information or dash-cam footage related to this incident, please contact the Tasmania Police to assist with their investigation.
