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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Bageshri Savyasachi

Details of 18yo man's death after Tuggeranong crash revealed by police

Police reveal investigation into fatal Tuggernong crash | The Canberra Times | July, 2023

ACT Policing has shared more details around the death of a teenager after his car was submerged in a pond in Canberra's south side over the weekend.

At around 4.20pm on Saturday, a green Holden Commodore was being driven by an 18-year-old man north along Drakeford Drive, police said.

ACT Policing had initially reported the man was 19 years of age.

North of the roundabout at Athllon, Drakeford and Isabella Drives, the Commodore left the roadway and went between two bridges, entering Isabella Pond.

The car was quickly submerged, and the driver died.

ACT Policing's acting sergeant inspector for the major collision team William Stevenson said investigations into the crash were still under way.

He said police had arrived on the scene less than five minutes after witnesses called emergency services for help.

The green Holden Commodore which was submerged in Isabella Pond. Picture by Bageshri Savyasachi

"[Police] entered into the water in an attempt to actually locate the driver, but they were unable to reach them due to the depth of the water," he said.

"A substantial amount of time later, police divers had to be called out due to the depth of the water and the recovery.

"The recovery of the vehicle took a certain amount of time just because you need the specialist equipment."

He said police are looking into the reasons the driver could not get out of the vehicle.

"Various avenues of inquiry have been made in regards to the vehicle itself, but at this stage, it's not determined the reasons why he actually entered into the water or if alcohol or anything else was involved."

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen or have dash-cam footage of the green Holden Commodore travelling along Drakeford Drive before it left the roadway, even if it was several hours beforehand.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, and quote 7489579.

The incident marks the third death on ACT roads this year.

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