UPDATE: Three in hospital after two collisions
Police would especially like to speak to the driver of a black 4WD/SUV that was travelling southbound on William Hovell Drive and narrowly avoided the collision. This person potentially holds vital information that police believe could assist their investigation, and is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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Three people are in hospital receiving treatment for their injuries after two collisions in Canberra this morning (Monday, 12 October, 2020).
The first collision happened about 7.30am on William Hovell Drive, Hawker, when a northbound sedan entered the southbound lane where it collided head-on with an SUV.
The drivers, a man and a woman, were both trapped in their vehicles for more than an hour before ACT Fire & Rescue could free them. ACT Ambulance Service intensive care paramedics transported both drivers to The Canberra Hospital (TCH) under police escort with critical injuries.
ACT Policing Detective Acting Superintendent Road Policing, Marcus Boorman said it was a high-speed collision and a traumatic scene afterwards.
“This was a normal Monday morning on Canberra’s roads, and everyone should have been able to start their week safely. Now we have to work out why one vehicle crossed to the wrong side of the road,” Detective Acting Superintendent Boorman said.
“I encourage anyone with any information that may help this investigation to make contact with police so we can work out exactly what happened.”
William Hovell Drive remained closed for several hours.
About 10.20am today, ACT Policing responded to reports of a collision in Anketell Street, Greenway, where a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.
The pedestrian was assessed by ACT Ambulance Service paramedics before being transported to hospital for treatment of non‑life‑threatening injuries.
“This collision serves as a reminder to both drivers and pedestrians that, even in low-speed areas, you need to pay attention to what you’re doing as you are responsible for your own safety, and that of other road users,” Detective Acting Superintendent Boorman said.
Anketell Street was reopened to traffic about 11.45am.
Anyone who witnessed either collision and has not yet spoken to police, or who has video or dash-cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6645619 (Hawker) or 6645748 (Greenway). Information can be provided anonymously.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au