Woman dies, driver injured after horror intersection crash in Perth
Updated ,first published
An Armadale man has been charged with manslaughter after a horrific crash in Martin killed a 30-year-old woman on Friday night.
Christian John Barnett Barron appeared in court at a hospital bedside hearing on Sunday, charged with a number of offenses related to the late-night incident on July 24.
WA police allege the 38-year-old man was driving recklessly to evade police pursuit before the crash on the Tonkin Highway.
Barron is charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, violating a 24-hour driving ban, careless driving to evade police pursuit and failure to comply with orders to stop under aggravating circumstances.
The horrific crash happened just before 11pm when police say a Toyota LandCruiser heading north on the Tonkin Highway collided with a Hilux coming from the opposite direction on Mills Road West.
A 30-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the Hilux, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital where she later died.
The 33-year-old male driver of the Hilux was seriously injured and taken to Armadale Hospital for treatment.
Barron, the alleged driver of the Toyota LandCruiser, was transported to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment.
At Sunday’s hearing, Barron said “yes” when asked about his name, but did not object to bail and was not required to enter a plea.
He will remain in custody until August 19 and will then appear at Stirling Gardens magistrates’ court.
The northbound Tonkin Highway was closed for at least six hours while Major Crash investigators assessed the scene and are now urging anyone who saw the crash or any vehicles in the area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
At a press conference on Sunday morning, WA Premier Roger Cook said it had been a “terrible weekend” on the state’s roads this weekend.
“To look [it’s been] “It’s a terrible weekend on our roads and a weekend that breaks your heart,” he said.
“Our thoughts go out to all the families and friends affected by these incidents; may I also thank the first responders, emergency workers, especially those who must have experienced a horrific scene associated with these accidents.”
Cook urged drivers to be responsible when hitting the road at any time of day.
“We need people to do the right thing, too, to make sure you’re not driving tired, not distracted by your phone, not under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, not wearing your seat belt, not driving appropriately for conditions, and not speeding,” he said.
“But these are extremely tragic events and their impact reverberates throughout the community and I want to continue to warn everyone: please be more careful on the roads.”
Police said two people were also killed in separate traffic accidents early Friday.
Just after 1pm a blue Mini Coup was traveling south on George Road at Wraming, near Boddington, where it crashed into a tree, killing the male driver.
Moments later, a Mitsubishi Triton was traveling southbound on the Brand Highway in Cape Burney, near Geraldton, when it left the road and crashed into a tree.
The 46-year-old male driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and died at the scene.
A 75-year-old man also tragically lost his life in an accident at Tarcoola Beach in Geraldton on Saturday afternoon.
Police said around 4:45 p.m., a green Suzuki Sierra SUV and a green Holden Commodore sedan were involved in a collision on Brand Highway.
The Suzuki’s 75-year-old driver and sole occupant were seriously injured and died at the scene.
The 18-year-old male driver and 16-year-old female passenger of the Holden were not injured.
Crash investigators are also requesting information from anyone who witnessed either of these incidents.
