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Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he feared the worst when four members of his security detail were involved in a "terrible" car crash on the campaign trail in Tasmania yesterday.
Key points:
- The crash left two AFP and two Tasmanian police officers in hospital
- Mr Morrison was not injured or involved in the accident
- He said it was a reminder for Australians to be safe on roads over the Easter break
Police are investigating the accident which left two Australian Federal Police and two Tasmanian police officers in hospital.
The officers escaped with minor injuries. One federal police member was discharged today.
The unmarked police car was following Mr Morrison to a campaign event when a ute collided with the back of the vehicle, causing the police car to roll down an embankment near Elizabeth Town.
The second AFP officer sustained more serious injuries and will remain in hospital to receive further treatment.
The driver of the ute was uninjured, as was Mr Morrison.
Mr Morrison has spoken to the two AFP officers and their families to pass on his thanks and support.
He also plans to speak to the two Tasmanian police officers, who have been discharged from hospital.
"I want to thank everybody for their very kind messages they have sent in relation to the four officers," he said.
"They are making a good recovery.
"We heard the accident right behind us and we obviously feared for the worst, but thankfully everybody is OK."
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said he spoke to the Prime Minister last night about the accident.
"It is good news that no-one suffered any serious injuries, it would appear, in that accident," he said.
"They do a remarkable job looking after us and we wish them well at this difficult time."
Mr Morrison said the crash was a "terrible accident" and it was a reminder to be safe on the roads this long weekend.
"Thankfully everyone is doing a lot better, but it was obviously a very concerning moment and we obviously suspended campaigning activity," he said.
"Over the course of today, well, it's Easter Friday and we'll be focusing on that.
"It's not a day for politics; it's a day for giving thanks and reflecting on the true meaning of Easter."
The election campaign pace has slowed down for the Easter break.
The Prime Minister attended a Baptist Church service in Glen Waverley in Melbourne's east on Good Friday.
Mr Albanese began Good Friday in his hometown of Sydney and went along to a Maronite Church service in Punchbowl in the city's south-west.
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