Driver fights for life as investigation goes on

South Western Highway was closed for seven hours and a man was airlifted to Perth with severe injuries after a crash between a car and a truck on Friday.

A man is fighting for his life after a major crash between a car and a truck closed the South Western Highway for seven hours on Friday.

The RAC rescue helicopter was rushed in to airlift the 42-year-old male driver of a Holden Statesman to Royal Perth Hospital — he is in a critical condition.

The 46-year-old male truck driver was taken to Bunbury Hospital to be treated for shock.

Bunbury Sgt Gerard Murphy said police were still investigating the crash which happened near Waterloo at 6.51am.

‘‘The crash happened on Friday when the truck driver turned off Dowdells Line to head north on South Western Highway,’’ he said.

‘‘The driver of the Statesman was heading south on South Western Highway and the two collided.’’

Sgt Murphy said the major crash unit had taken over the investigation, but did not know why the crash happened.

Acting Sen. Sgt Phil Nation said the road was closed from 7am to 2pm so the major crash unit could investigate the scene.

‘‘All major crashes are treated like crime scenes and examined as such,’’ he said.

While South Western Highway was closed, the major crash unit investigated the scene and conduc ted in terviews wi th witnesses.

Sgt Murphy said it was too early in the investigation to know whether any charges would be laid in relation to the crash.

‘‘There has been no major crashes at that intersection, it’s a good intersection,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s very open and has had upgrades done in the last 10 years.’’

The traffic was light at the time of the crash and there were some witnesses.

‘‘If anyone saw the crash but hasn’t given their details to the police, please contact the police,’’ Sgt Murphy said.

To provide information about the crash, contact Police Assistance on 131 444.