Three dead after car crash in Canberra with one vehicle completely flattened after the collision

Three people were killed in a two-vehicle collision on Sunday afternoon in the Whitlam suburb of Canberra.

A vehicle involved in the accident was seen completely flattened after the incident, which took place at the intersection of Coppins Crossing Road and John Gorton Drive.

The three victims were passengers in a red Toyota hatchback, police said, while the driver of the hatchback and the driver of a white Toyota bus were taken to hospital.

The hatchback driver is reportedly in serious condition in hospital.

ACT police and emergency services received reports of the crash just south of Hazel Hawke Avenue around 2:45 p.m.

ACT Policing hopes there will be dashcam footage of the incident and asked anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 1800 333 000.

“Unfortunately, these are the 17 fatalities on ACT roads this year,” Chief Inspector Mick Calatzis told the Canberra Times. “It’s an ongoing investigation.”

Police said a report on the incident is being prepared for the coroner.

The police are calling on all road users to slow down and comply with the conditions.

Jim Walsh of ACT Fire and Rescue said all staff who worked at the crash site will be supported to ensure their well-being is taken care of.

“All we can do is support ACT Policing’s message to slow down,” he said.

“Take the extra one or two minutes to get to your destination safely. In these situations, remove all trauma for families, friends and care providers.”

Emergency services have asked the community to avoid the area while the road is closed during the initial investigation.