14 October 2021

Man to face court following fatal Barton Highway collision

| Max O'Driscoll
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Barton Highway accident

The fatal accident on the Barton Highway occurred at around 11:00 am on 15 September. Photos: Thomas Lucraft.

A 27-year-old man from Karabar will face court following a fatal three-car collision at the northbound exit onto the Barton Highway from Gungahlin Drive in September.

He has been charged with culpable driving causing death, culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm and driving with a prescribed drug.

Police will allege the 27-year-old, driving a heavy vehicle carrying a 10-tonne excavator, ran a red light and collided with a Ford Falcon sedan on 15 September.

The Falcon driver, a 45-year-old male, died at the scene.

After the collision, the vehicles travelled a further 50 metres before coming to a halt, but not before crashing into a Toyota LandCruiser which was pushed a further 60 metres and subsequently rolled.

Barton Highway accident

The LandCruiser was propelled 60 metres down the road and rolled as a result of the impact.

The 43-year-old driver of the LandCruiser was seriously injured in the crash and taken to Canberra Hospital.

Officer in Charge at ACT Road Policing, Detective Inspector Donna Hofmeier, stressed to all drivers to consider the far-reaching consequences of their actions on the road.

“One family has lost a loved one, another family and a male now probably has his whole life changed.

“We’re now coming out of lockdown. There’s going to be a lot more people on the roads. It’s not worth that extra five seconds to get around, to not only kill another person but also maybe yourself.”

Along with those directly affected by the accident and their families, Detective Inspector Hofmeier suggested the numerous civillian witness and first responders to the incident will also be permanently impacted.

The 27-year-old driver is scheduled to appear in court on 19 November.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or has information but has not yet spoken with police, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Quote reference 6904853. Information can be provided anonymously.

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