Truck driver dies in outback
A 39-year-old truck driver has been found dead after he left his bogged truck in extreme outback heat last week.
WA Police are investigating the death of the Perth man after his body was was found about 100km North West of Meekatharra.
It is believed the man's truck became bogged on Friday while he was delivering goods to a remote station.
Police say he left the truck and walked several kilometres in extreme heat to look for help and then may have attempted to go back to his truck.
"As the truck was late to arrive, police were informed and contact was made with a number of remote stations to see if they had any information regarding his whereabouts," a police spokesman said.
LATEST
ALLENBY KIDNAPPED, ROBBED AND BEATEN
$48,000 FOR REVENGE PORN VICTIM
CITIES PUT CARS ON THE OUTER
INDONESIA EXECUTES FIVE FOREIGNERS
A station worker found the man's body and contacted police.
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
WA Police say the death serves as a warning for drivers stranded in an emergency to stay with their vehicles to help emergency services in vehicles and aircraft find missing people.
"In remote areas, it is much easier for searchers to spot a vehicle from the air, than it is a person," WA Police said.
"If people end up in this type of predicament we advise them to try not to panic, and stay with their vehicle at all times."
It is the second outback death in two weeks after a 60-year-old man died in the Goldfields after his vehicle broke down on the Gunbarrel Highway.
Advice for outback travellers
• Have at least three days worth of water for yourself and the amount of people travelling with
you, as well as for the vehicle.
• Carry enough food to ensure you are totally self sufficient.
• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and suitable for the trip before setting off.
• Ensure you have sufficient fuel and at least two spare tyres. You will need to travel vast
distances between service points.
• Ensure you have detailed current maps.
• Local Government Offices will have road condition information available. If possible before
your journey check the main roads website for road conditions. www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
• Also, plan alternative routes in case your original route is inaccessible. Flooded roads can be
particularly problematic throughout the State.
• Ensure you invest in an EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon. These can be registered with the
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), meaning when it is activated, not only do we
have a good idea where you are. We will also have details of the next of kin etc.
• Satellite phones are also invaluable and will ensure rescuers can get to you as fast as possible
if you need assistance.
• If you are travelling to very remote areas, make sure you have high-frequency (HF) and CB
radios with you.
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to arrive. Confirm your arrival with
them.
