Major crash unit focus on fatal crashes

Officers from the Perth-based major crash unit were in Broome last week to investigate the circumstances surrounding a three-car collision that claimed the life of a 19-year-old taxi passenger.

A Toyota Prado, a Saab and a taxi collided on Hamersley and Haas streets around 9.40pm on Thursday, July 25.

The taxi passenger, whose name cannot be released for cultural reasons, died in the accident.

A memorial has been set up at the scene by family and friends. Sections of both streets were closed last Tuesday morning as the crime scene recording and reconstruction unit collaborated with Broome forensics investigator David Massey.

Broome police officer-in-charge Brendon Barwick said the major crash unit was there to help verify eyewitness accounts of the incident.

The unit’s findings will provide technical advice to Detective Barclay Bailey from the major crash unit who is heading the investigation.

Senior Sergeant Barwick also confirmed police vehicle examiners from Perth would travel to Broome to conduct mechanical examinations of the vehicles involved in the crash.

Two people have died on Broome roads in the past three weeks.

The major crash unit is also investigating the circumstances behind the death of a 29-year-old woman on Broome Highway on Sunday, August 4. The crash happened near the 12 Mile community.

Police are asking anyone with information on either crash to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.