The death of a volunteer firefighter struck by a police car on Flinders Island will have an impact on the “whole community,” a senior officer says.
Tasmania Police say the man was on foot when he was hit by the police vehicle driven by an on-duty officer on Saturday night.
Emergency crews were called to the town of Lady Barron at 9 p.m.
The police officer involved was not injured, but the Lackrana man aged in his 60s died at the scene.
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.
“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.”
He sent his sympathies to the man’s loved ones and colleagues.
“The police officer was not physically injured, however as you can imagine, was incredibly distressed by the incident,” he said.
“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,” Bodnar said.
“An investigation is underway into the circumstances; early investigations suggest the pedestrian has crossed onto the road before being struck by the vehicle.”
A full Professional Standards investigation will take place to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, who will also provide a report to the coroner.
Tasmania Fire Service Acting Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Matt Lowe said support was also being provided to TFS members.
“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.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444.
