Authorities report that a driver made a “conscious decision” to travel in the wrong lane, leading to a tragic quadruple fatal crash involving a car and a taxi near Perth Airport this morning.
At approximately 3:40 AM (6:40 AEST), a Toyota RAV4 reportedly drove up the off-ramp of the Leach Highway near Orrong Road before colliding with a silver Toyota Camry taxi close to Abernethy Road.
Both the unidentified driver of the RAV4 and the 58-year-old male driver of the taxi were pronounced dead at the scene.
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An 81-year-old woman and her 56-year-old daughter, who were both seated in the back of the taxi, also lost their lives at the scene.
The crash occurred approximately 1 kilometer from the entrance to Perth Airport.
Detective Senior Sergeant Hugh Letessier stated that police believe the driver of the RAV4 made a “conscious decision” to drive on the wrong side of the highway.
When emergency services arrived, they found the RAV4 “completely engulfed” in flames; however, police managed to recover dashcam footage from the vehicle.
Letessier noted that the dashcam footage recorded before the incident appeared to show the vehicle traveling through Belmont and Cloverdale at speeds “well in excess” of the legal limit.
It remains “far too early” to determine if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Letessier expressed his sorrow, stating, “It’s just such a tragic event … There are four families that have been severely impacted by this, and it’s extremely sad.”
After several hours of closure, Leach Highway has reopened to traffic.
Major Crash investigators are currently examining the scene and are urging any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or report information online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
