Tourist Minivan Rolled on King Island, Prompting Emergency Response

Ten people were injured after a hired minibus carrying mainland visitors rolled off a road on King Island on Friday, according to police reports. The single-vehicle crash occurred on South Road in Pearshape during the start of a busy long weekend that features an annual golf tournament.

Incident Details and Response

According to Tasmania Police, the Toyota HiAce passenger van was carrying visitors aged in their mid-70s to 80s when initial investigations suggest it failed to take a bend, lost traction in loose gravel, went down an embankment, and rolled before landing back on its wheels.

Emergency services from Tasmania and Victoria responded to the remote location, involving volunteer units, local emergency personnel, and specialist medical teams:

• Three patients were flown by Air Ambulance Victoria to Melbourne hospitals, with admissions at The Alfred Hospital and Royal Melbourne Hospital.
• Three patients were transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
• Four patients were initially treated at King Island District Hospital and Health Centre, and have since been discharged.

Travel and Safety Context for King Island

King Island, located between Victoria and Tasmania, attracts visitors seasonally for events such as local golf tournaments and holidays. Local officials, including Acting Mayor Vernon Philbey, noted the presence of sharp bends on regional roads and reminded drivers to exercise caution.

• Transport Considerations: Driving on rural island roads requires careful attention to changing road surfaces, including gravel sections and unsealed edges.
• Verification: Travelers can consult official sources such as Tasmania Police and local tourism boards for updates and safety advisories.
• Official Resources: Always check official channels like Tasmania Police or Transport Tasmania for current travel alerts and road conditions before embarking on regional journeys.