Flinders Island fatality: Community in shock as on-duty police officer’s car hits and kills volunteer fireman

Terrible scenes have played out in a small Tasmanian community after an on-duty police officer in his car, hit and killed a pedestrian who was also a volunteer fireman.

The police professional standards team are continuing to investigate the crash involving the pedestrian at Lady Barron on Flinders Island over the weekend.

An on-duty police officer was travelling on Lady Barron Road when the pedestrian walking on the road was struck by his vehicle in a zone believed to be designated 100km/h.

The officer 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 several 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 Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.