Media release – Tasmania Police, 18 August 2024

Police investigate tragic incident on Flinders Island

Police are continuing to investigate a crash involving a pedestrian at Lady Barron on Flinders Island overnight.

An on-duty police officer was travelling on Lady Barron Road when a pedestrian walking on the road was struck by his vehicle.

The officer has immediately contacted emergency services and attempted CPR.

Sadly, the pedestrian died at the scene.

The victim has been confirmed as a Lackrana man in his 60s, who was also a Tasmania Fire Service volunteer.

Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the incident would have a profound impact on the man’s family, emergency personnel involved, and the entire Flinders Island community.

“The police officer was not physically injured, however as you can imagine, was incredibly distressed by the incident,” he said.

“This is a tragedy involving two people who worked together in a small community, and it will no doubt have an impact on everyone involved for some time to come.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Flinders Island community.

“The officer involved was on general patrol at the time, due to a number of public events scheduled in the area, however was not responding to a specific incident at the time of the crash, and was travelling within the speed limit.

“An investigation is underway into the circumstances; early investigations suggest the pedestrian has crossed onto the road before being struck by the vehicle.”

Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said wellbeing support was being offered to the officer, and all those affected by this tragic incident.

“As is always the case, a full Professional Standards investigation will take place to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“Our crash investigators were flown over during the night, and will continue to investigate the scene this morning.

“At this stage, our priority is to allow a full investigation to take place, and to support both our members and the local community.”

Tasmania Fire Service Acting Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Matt Lowe said support was also being provided to TFS members.

“Our volunteers are not only members of our team, but members of the community, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy,” he said.

“Wellbeing support is being offered to our members, and we will continue to support them throughout the investigative process.

“I have confidence in our emergency service partners – Tasmania Police – to thoroughly investigate this incident and to determine what led to this tragic outcome.

“Until then, my priority is the wellbeing of our volunteers and TFS staff impacted.”

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with information about the crash should contact police on 131 444.

Media release – Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, 18 August 2024

Statement from the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

The fatal incident on Flinders Island last night is nothing short of a tragedy.

Our hearts go out to the deceased man’s family and loved ones, the entire Flinders Island community and our emergency services.

This tragedy will no doubt have a profound impact on so many.

Investigations are underway into the circumstances.

Support is available to our emergency service and the community and I encourage those impacted to seek support.

Media release – Jen Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, 18 August 2024

Statement on Flinders Island fatality

On behalf of Tasmanian Labor, I express our deepest condolences to those impacted by the tragic incident on Flinders Island.

Our thoughts are with the deceased man’s family, loved ones, colleagues and the entire community on the Island.

The local man was also a volunteer with the Tasmania Fire Service and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his fellow volunteers.

This incident will impact on the close-knit island community in many ways and we will support them through this difficult time.