Two die in separate crashes in Pingrup, Kumarina after deadly day on WA roads
Two people have lost their lives in separate crashes after a deadly day on WA’s roads, as police urge caution on ahead of the Easter long weekend.
A man died at the scene of a crash in the State’s north last night when his ute collided with a prime mover about 7.40pm on the Great Northern Highway, about 40km south of Kumarina — a town located between Meekatharra and Newman.
Police said the prime mover with three trailers was travelling north when it crash happened.
Major crash detectives will travel to the scene this morning to investigate.
Earlier in the day, an elderly woman died and an elderly man was rushed to hospital after their car crashed into a tree in the Great Southern.
The tragic crash happened about 12.30pm, when a grey Nissan X-trail veered off the road and ploughed into a tree on Chester Pass Road in Pingrup.
The 73-year-old woman died at the scene, while a 78-year-old man suffered serious injuries and was taken to Katanning Hospital.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson made a “sincere appeal” to the public today to take extra caution on the roads ahead of the long weekend.
“We know that it’s great for tourism and great that West Australians are getting out and about within the State but what it does mean is that there’s a lot more traffic on the roads,” he told 6PR.
Mr Dawson said the State’s South West was a particularly busy traffic hot spot due to its popularity for tourism.
“When I went down there a couple of months ago it was a bit like the Hay Street mall – it was very, very busy.
“So we just all have to look after each other, look after ourselves and just take that caution to get to the destination safely.”
There have been 42 fatalities on WA roads so far this year, according to the Road Safety Commission.
The two recent crashes bring the regional road toll to 28, while 14 of the fatal crashes have been in the metropolitan area.
Major crash officers are investigating and have appealed for witnesses to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at crimestopperswa.com.au.
Dash-cam or mobile phone vision relating to this crash can be uploaded directly to investigators here.
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