A serious head-on collision shut down Great Eastern Highway east of Perth on Sunday morning, between Chedaring Road and Inkpen Road, forcing emergency services to the scene and leaving commuters scrambling for alternate routes.
The crash occurred around 6am, approximately 500 metres west of the Wundowie turnoff. A Holden Commodore ute and a white car collided at the posted speed limit of 110km/h. A witness who contacted Radio 6PR described the scene as "absolutely horrific," noting the extent of damage to both vehicles.
Main Roads WA confirmed that traffic became heavy in the area and urged drivers to avoid the route, recommending alternative roads. Emergency services attended the incident, though full details of any injuries were not immediately available as the crash was still being cleared.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about road safety on Great Eastern Highway. The route stretches 590 kilometres from Perth to Kalgoorlie and has long been identified as a problem stretch. According to road safety analysis, the highway ranks as Perth's fourth most dangerous road, with reports citing narrow lanes and maintenance concerns as contributing factors to its elevated risk profile.
Perth's freeway network more broadly has drawn scrutiny for dangerous driving patterns. Safety research on WA roads has identified driver behaviour, fatigue and speed as recurring factors in serious collisions. The state's investment in smart freeway technology on major routes like the Kwinana Freeway has aimed to reduce congestion and improve flow, which research suggests can lower accident frequency.
Drivers using Great Eastern Highway are advised to exercise caution, particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes increase the risk of serious collisions. The road remains a critical link for those travelling to the eastern Wheatbelt and Goldfields regions.