In brief
A Toyota HiAce passenger van rolled over on King Island, Tasmania, on Friday after losing traction on loose gravel. Ten elderly tourists were injured, with three flown to Melbourne and three to Hobart hospitals, while the others received local treatment. Investigations point to a failed bend and loss of traction as the cause.
Ten elderly tourists were injured Friday in a Toyota HiAce minivan rollover on King Island, Tasmania, after the vehicle lost traction on loose gravel, Tasmania Police said.
The accident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. local time on South Road in Pearshape, the southern part of the island.
All ten passengers were aged from their mid‑70s to their 80s. Three of them were flown to hospitals in Melbourne on Friday night, while another three were later transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
The remaining four tourists received treatment at a local hospital and have since been discharged.
Early investigation suggests the van could not negotiate a bend, lost traction on loose gravel, went down an embankment, rolled over, and then returned to the road.
Officials said the incident highlights the risks of driving on King Island’s gravel roads and the need for cautious navigation of sharp turns.