Police seek witnesses to highway crash

POLICE are seeking witnesses to a four-car crash on the  Lyell Highway yesterday morning. The road was closed between Granton and Sorell Creek for five hours while emergency services attended to the injured and investigated the scene

Senior Constable Richard Keygan said a 28-year-old Glenorchy man had been admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital following the crash, which occurred at Sorell Creek at about 10.25am on Sunday.

Police say a Hobart-bound green Nissan Pulsar was involved in a collision with a Toyota Hilux utility which was travelling towards New Norfolk. The Toyota ended up in shallow water at the side of the road. There was then a further collision involving the Nissan Pulsar and two other oncoming vehicles, a silver Toyota Camry station wagon and red Mitsubishi ASX station wagon.

"As a result of the crash, the driver of the Nissan Pulsar had be cut free from the vehicle by SES crews," Senior Constable Keygan said. He underwent surgery at the Royal Hobart Hospital and was  listed as being in a critical condition.

"The 27-year-old Howrah man driving the Toyota utlity was transported to hospital with a suspected
shoulder injury. The 22-year-old New Norfolk man driving the Toyota Camry was uninjured. The 60-year-old male driver of the Mitsubishi ASX, who is from the United Kingdom, and his wife, were transported to hospital ... for observations."

Senior Constable Keygan said all drivers had been tested for alcohol and drugs. The Lyell Hwy between Granton and Sorell Creek was closed for five hours to allow forensics and crash
investigation services to examine and survey the scene, and to allow for the vehicles to be removed.

Traffic was diverted along Boyer Rd between New Norfolk and Bridgewater, and Molesworth Rd. between Sorell Creek and Glenlusk.

Investigations are continuing and police would like to speak to anyone who saw a green Nissan Pulsar driving between New Norfolk and Sorell Creek prior to the crash. Information can be provided to New Norfolk police, anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.