Police will allege a 22-year-old man driving a red Ford sedan ran a red light at the intersection of Wellington and Frederick streets about 2am, before crashing into a white Hyundai station wagon. 

The driver of the Hyundai, a 48-year-old Trevallyn man and father of two young children, was taken to Launceston General Hospital, but died a short time later. 

It is understood the Trevallyn man was driving home from a night shift at Coles. 

Senior Sergeant Jason Jones said initial investigations revealed the sedan was travelling at more than 100km/h when it crashed into the drivers side of the station wagon.

“The next of kin were notified today and tragically he is leaving behind a partner and two young children,” Senior Sergeant Jones said.

“It is really tragic and quite disappointing that someone is involved in such a serious accident, and then just flees the scene.”

A man believed by police to be the driver of the sedan, was located about 5am in the Newstead area. 

He, along with a 21-year-old passenger, remained in Launceston General Hospital on Friday afternoon. 

“The passenger received a broken arm and is currently in theatre, and the male person, who we believe is the driver, received some superficial facial injuries,” Senior Sergeant Jones said. 

Senior Sergeant Jones said police were unable to verify if alcohol played a factor in the crash, because the driver fled the scene. 

Under Tasmanian legislation, police have three hours from the time of a crash to take a person’s blood. 

Senior Sergeant Jones said police expected to interview the 22-year-old in the near future and were likely to lay charges.  

“It appears he has gone through a red light – the light is there for a reason,” he said. 

“And just the sheer speed we believe he was travelling.

“There was no care or consideration to other road users, travelling at that speed, in a town, no matter what the time of day.”

A Coles spokesman issued this statement:

“We are devastated to confirm the sad loss of one of our team members in a vehicle collision in Launceston overnight,” the spokesman said.

“We will work with authorities to investigate the incident and offer all the support we can to the family of our team member.

“Out of respect for his family and friends we will not be making any further comment.”

Police and crash investigators are working with a number of witnesses.

Anyone with information, particularly anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the vehicle leading up to the crash, should call Launceston Police on 131 444.

Information can also be supplied anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.