A devastating car crash on Leach Highway in Perth has claimed the lives of four people, including a mother and daughter, after a Toyota RAV4 driver made a “conscious decision” to drive on the wrong side of the road.
The incident occurred around 3:40 am near Abernethy Road in Cloverdale, leaving emergency services to deal with a catastrophic scene.
What Happened?
According to police, the driver of the grey RAV4, who has not been formally identified, was traveling on the correct side of the road initially but then turned onto the wrong side, heading northeast in the southwest-bound lanes.
The dashcam footage retrieved from the RAV4 shows the driver making this deliberate turn, although the reason behind it remains unknown.
The RAV4 collided with a taxi, killing the 58-year-old male driver, Sendeku Tesema, and two female passengers, a 56-year-old daughter and her 81-year-old mother.
The driver of the RAV4 also died in the crash. Police believe the driver of the RAV4 made a conscious decision to drive on the incorrect side of the highway, and investigations are ongoing.
A Tragic Loss
The taxi driver, Sendeku Tesema, was a husband and father of three, and his family and friends are struggling to come to terms with his death.
His 18-year-old daughter described him as “the funniest, most caring man” who was “loved by all.” Tesema’s wife was reportedly beyond distraught and required an ambulance.
Investigation Ongoing
Detective Senior Sergeant Hugh Le Tessier said the crash was “almost the most horrific incident you could attend as a police officer in a road crash scenario.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and Major Crash investigators are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
The crash closed a 2.5km stretch of Leach Highway for several hours, causing significant disruptions to traffic.
A Tribute to the Victims
As the community mourns the loss of four innocent lives, friends and family of the victims are paying tribute to their loved ones.
The daughter of the taxi driver said, “Our condolences go out to all of the other families affected.” The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving.