A cameraman at the scene of Sunday's fatal head-on crash on the Midland Highway, south of Oatlands. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE
DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions Tim Ellis, SC, faces a wait of several months to know whether he will face criminal charges over a fatal road accident on the Midland Highway near Oatlands on Sunday.
Police yesterday confirmed witnesses had reported a blue 2011 Mercedes sedan understood to be driven by Mr Ellis, right, was on the wrong side of double white lines before the head-on collision at Lovely Banks at 6.15pm.
A 27-year-old West Launceston woman driving north in a white Toyota hatchback died instantly in the crash. Her death was later confirmed by a doctor who was at the scene.
Police said the Mercedes then veered into a black Commodore sedan also travelling north.
The Commodore's 23-year-old male driver and his female passenger were uninjured. Mr Ellis remains in the Royal Hobart Hospital in a stable condition with a broken leg and other non life-threatening injuries.
Police took blood samples after the crash and will conduct routine tests for the presence of drugs or alcohol. The results will take weeks.
Mr Ellis' wife, Guardianship and Administration Board president Anita Smith, 44, was discharged yesterday with a broken collarbone.
Police crash investigator Senior Constable Kelly Cordwell yesterday said the investigation was likely to take about six months.
"My approach to this is exactly the same as any other incident," she said.
"At the end of the day, a woman has lost her life and we mustn't lose sight of that.
"My primary concern right now is for her family and to ensure a thorough investigation is undertaken into the circumstances surrounding her death as to give them some clarity."
Constable Cordwell said she had spoken briefly to the driver of the Mercedes yesterday but he would not be formally interviewed for several days.
"I haven't spoken to him in detail about it," she said.
"I had a brief conversation with him this morning but I didn't go into detail with him about his recollection due to him being medicated," she said.
Constable Cordwell said preliminary indications were the Mercedes had crossed double white lines on a sweeping right-hand bend.
"It appears from witness statements that the blue Mercedes was on the incorrect side of the road ... we would need to make further inquiries in relation to that.
"Witnesses indicate it was daylight, the road was dry and conditions were fairly good.
"It is still early on in the investigation, we are still to speak to the driver involved in the collision regarding the circumstances of the crash, so nothing is set in concrete at this stage."
The Mercury understands the police investigation file will be reviewed by a senior lawyer independent of the DPP's office and will simultaneously be referred to the Coroner.
Attorney-General Brian Wightman said Solicitor-General Leigh Sealy, SC, would take over Mr Ellis' functions while he was absent because of his injuries.
"I extend my sincerest sympathy to all those involved in this incident, and my condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman who died in the crash," Mr Wightman said.
david.killick@news.com.au
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