Son 'lost control' in fatal driving lesson crash

A 16-year-old learner driver who crashed into a tree during a driving lesson yesterday, killing his 49-year-old father, appears to have lost control on a gravel shoulder, South West police say.

Major crash investigators were set to to arrive in Busselton this afternoon to interview the boy and to investigate the scene.

Busselton Sen. Sgt Steve Principe described the circumstances as 'tragic'.

“This was tragic… and our hearts and thoughts go out to the families," he said.

"It really reinforces the message the road is a dangerous place and we really have to take as much care as possible, it doesn’t take much for an accident to happen.”

“Once you do get onto the gravel edge of the road, it’s very difficult to control the vehicle, even for experienced drivers.

“But you have to understand these are country kids and it’s important they experience all sorts of roads.

Sen. Sgt Principe said there was nothing to indicate the boy would be charged, as it did not appear the boy had been speeding, or had consumed alcohol.