Perth motorists faced major delays on Sunday after a fatal rollover crash on the Mitchell Freeway claimed the life of an 18-year-old driver and forced the closure of northbound lanes near Wembley.
The crash happened near the Powis Street exit, where police say a white Nissan Patrol station sedan was travelling northbound before the driver lost control. The vehicle rolled, leaving the teenage driver with critical injuries.
Emergency crews responded to the scene and the driver, who was the only person inside the vehicle, was taken to Royal Perth Hospital. He died a short time later.
The incident led to a significant police operation on one of Perth’s busiest road corridors, with northbound lanes blocked between Vincent Street and Hutton Street while Major Crash officers examined the scene.
Mitchell Freeway Northbound Closed After Fatal Wembley Crash
Drivers heading north were forced to exit the freeway as emergency services, police and traffic crews worked around the crash site. Congestion quickly built through the area, with traffic reported to be heavy back to Hay Street.
The closure affected a key stretch of the Mitchell Freeway, a major route for motorists travelling through inner Perth and toward the northern suburbs. Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes while investigations continued.
Traffic delays were especially heavy around Wembley, Glendalough and nearby connecting roads as vehicles were diverted away from the northbound lanes. The Powis Street exit area remained a focus for investigators after the rollover.
Images and reports from the scene showed traffic backed up for a considerable distance, with motorists facing slow conditions and extended travel times. Main Roads WA also warned of heavy congestion following the crash.
Police closures after fatal crashes can remain in place for several hours because investigators need to preserve the scene, record vehicle positions, inspect road markings and gather evidence before lanes can safely reopen.
Police Appeal For Witnesses And Dashcam Footage
WA Police Major Crash officers are investigating what caused the Nissan Patrol to leave control and roll near the Powis Street off-ramp. At this stage, no confirmed cause has been released.
Investigators are expected to examine the vehicle, road conditions, traffic flow and any available video from nearby vehicles. Dashcam footage can be especially important in crashes on busy freeways, where several drivers may have seen the vehicle moments before the rollover.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has mobile phone or dashcam vision from the Mitchell Freeway northbound near Wembley, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit information through the official Crime Stoppers WA website.
Footage linked to the incident can also be uploaded directly to investigators through the WA Police evidence portal provided for the Glendalough-area investigation.
The death of the 18-year-old driver has added to concern about serious crashes on Perth’s major roads. Freeway crashes can be particularly dangerous because vehicles are usually travelling at higher speeds and drivers have limited time to react when something goes wrong.
Young drivers are often over-represented in serious road trauma, and crashes involving teenagers frequently lead to renewed calls for caution, patience and awareness behind the wheel. However, police have not yet confirmed whether speed, road conditions, distraction or any other factor contributed to this crash.
Motorists travelling through the inner-north corridor were advised to plan ahead, allow extra time and avoid unnecessary travel through the affected section of the Mitchell Freeway. Drivers already near the closure were told to follow police directions and use signed detours.
The crash investigation remains ongoing. Further details, including when all northbound lanes fully reopen and whether police identify any contributing factors, are expected after Major Crash officers complete their initial inquiries.
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