Police have addressed the media in relation to this morning's double fatality at Salamander Bay.
It's been confirmed one man died at the point of impact and another man died a short time later when a Mazda 3 hatchback veered off the road and crashed into a tree at the intersection of George Road and Soldiers Point Road, Salamander Bay, just after 1am.
Police say the two men who survived, both aged 30, remain in the John Hunter with serious injuries including lacerations and fractures.
Newcastle Superintendent Craig Jackson said crash investigations are continuing, although "there's every indication at this point that speed and alcohol are factors in this particular crash."
The Superintendent refused to be drawn on whether the four men in the car were wearing seatbelts, saying "investigations are ongoing."
He said three of the men involved hail from Queensland, while one is believed to be an Estonian national, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Police used the opportunity to warn against reckless driving behaviour.
"More than 40% of crashes involve speed as a factor," Superintendent Jackson said, "if you've been drinking, don't drive..."
He said the incident was a true tragedy which will go on to impact family and friends of the deceased persons.
"We're going to have mums, dads, sisters, brothers and kids all told their loved one is not coming home," he stated.
Results from the driver's mandatory blood and alcohol tests will not return from the lab for some time yet, while Police intend to work with doctors on a time-frame to question him.
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| Devastated: Superintendent Craig Jackson. |
