A pedestrian is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle that crashed into Morty’s Food Court in Tasmania on Wednesday. The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 PM, resulting in significant damage to the building and causing power outages in the area.
Tasmania Police reported that a white Holden ute, driven by a 65-year-old man from Lilydale, plowed through the front of the food court, seriously injuring a 67-year-old woman from Newnham. Both individuals were transported to Launceston General Hospital. While the woman’s condition is critical, the driver’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Investigation Underway
Inspector Aleena Crack addressed the media shortly after the accident, stating that the cause of the crash remains unknown. The driver is currently assisting police with their inquiries. “Crash investigation services are investigating the incident and we will have more details as they come,” Inspector Crack explained.
Police are uncertain whether the injured woman was inside or outside the complex at the time of the crash. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed to gather more information. Inspector Crack also noted that the crash disrupted local businesses and caused power outages that have yet to be resolved.
“It is a very highly populated roadway, so we do have incidents there every now and again,” Inspector Crack said.
Eyewitness Accounts
Sharon Wilcox, owner of the nearby International Flowers, witnessed the accident while serving a customer. “It hit a car that was parked in the disabled spot, which made the ute flick around. I thought it was going towards us, but it spun around and lifted it off the ground,” she recounted.
The ute collided with a blue vehicle parked outside before crashing through the wall of the food court. “It went straight into the food hall, through the window. It kept going, it didn’t stop,” Wilcox added.
Community Response and Recent Incidents
In the aftermath of the crash, Tasmania Police extended their gratitude to the members of the public who assisted the injured at the scene, particularly a woman who provided first aid. The incident highlights the busy nature of the area, which has seen its share of traffic accidents.
Earlier this week, a separate two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Wellington and Brisbane Street, resulting in the closure of one lane and necessitating the attendance of Tasmania Fire Services and an ambulance.
Moving Forward
The crash at Morty’s Food Court underscores the need for ongoing traffic safety measures in high-density areas. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release more information to the public. Meanwhile, local businesses are working to recover from the disruption caused by the incident.
Residents and business owners in the area are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity to the police. The community’s resilience and prompt response to such emergencies play a crucial role in ensuring public safety.
