Two teenagers have lost their lives after a serious road accident in Tasmania’s Huon Valley on Friday night, in what police describe as a single-vehicle crash involving five occupants.

According to ABC News, emergency services were called to Crabtree Road at about 8:45 pm after reports of a crash. A 17-year-old boy, who was a passenger, died at the scene. The second passenger, aged 15, was rushed to the Royal Hobart Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries overnight, ABC News reported.

Tasmania Police said preliminary investigations indicate the car was travelling west along Crabtree Road when the 23-year-old driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle before it collided with a power pole. Authorities believe speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash.

The driver and two other passengers, both aged 15, were taken to the hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been publicly detailed.

Police have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or who have dashcam footage to come forward as investigations continue. A report will be compiled for the coroner.

Crabtree is a rural locality in the Huon Valley region, south-east of Hobart. Road safety remains a key concern in Tasmania, particularly in regional areas where high speeds and winding roads can increase the risk of serious accidents.

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent further tragedies on the state’s roads.