Peak-Hour Pandemonium: 17 Injured as Truck Smashes into Bus on Hobart’s Southern Outlet
- Chaos erupts on busy highway as truck crashes into bus carrying 30 passengers
- Five people rushed to hospital by ambulance, with another 12 treated for injuries
- Police launch investigation into the shocking incident, appealing for witnesses to come forward
- Nine patients remain in hospital in a stable condition, with eight already discharged
The usually tranquil Southern Outlet was transformed into a scene of utter chaos on Wednesday morning, as a devastating crash involving a truck and a private bus left 17 people injured.
The drama unfolded at approximately 7:15am, when the truck, laden with quarry materials, smashed into the rear of the bus, which had suddenly stopped to avoid a collision with another vehicle. The bus, carrying 30 passengers, was travelling on the highway between Kingston and Mount Nelson when the incident occurred.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with five people taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital by ambulance. A further 12 were assessed and triaged by hospital staff, with eight patients since being discharged.
“At this stage in the investigation, it is believed the Scania truck crashed into the rear of the bus as it stopped suddenly to avoid a collision with another vehicle,” police said in a statement. “Police would like to speak to anyone who has information that would assist the investigation.”
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the Southern Outlet, a busy stretch of road between Hobart and the beachside town of Kingston. A new transit lane is currently being added to the outlet to help ease traffic congestion, but for now, the focus remains on supporting the victims of this shocking crash.
In a stark warning, police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, as they work to piece together the events leading up to the crash. As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, with many left wondering how such a devastating incident could occur on their doorstep.