Batman Highway/Batman Bridge, Tasmania. Source: -jkb-, Wikimedia Commons
Five people have been hospitalised and four horses killed after a four-wheel drive towing a horse float crashed in Rowella, Northern Tasmania.
The vehicle, a white Ford Ranger, crashed into a tree stump at 1:45am on Monday after exiting the Batman Highway near Rowella Road. A crash detection feature on one of the passenger’s phones alerted police and they were able to arrive at the site in just 8 minutes.
Police officers from Exeter, George Town, and Launceston police stations all attended the scene of the crash.
Those on board the vehicle were young farmers, aged between 14 and 20.
The 20-year-old driver and four passengers were rushed to Launceston general hospital where they are being treated for general injuries.
An 18-year-old passenger with serious injuries has being flown to Melbourne via Air Ambulance, and another 17-year-old passenger is being taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital where they will undergo surgery.
Tasmanian police say that the horse float rolled during the crash, and that two of the horses died immediately. An equine vet was called to treat the other two horses, but, sadly, they could not be saved and had to be euthanised.
Forensic officers and crash investigators are currently at the scene and investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
Motorists have been told to expect delays in the area, and anyone who saw the Ford Ranger before the collision are asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.
