AN elderly man is dead and two drivers are in hospital following a near head-on collision at the intersection of the city bound lane, under the Gunghalin Drive overpass, on Belconnen Way at about 10am this morning. 

An elderly woman who was driving the car carrying the man who died at the scene has been taken to Canberra Hospital with serious injuries. The other driver is in Calvary Hospital with minor injuries.

One of the vehicles, a light-blue ’90s model hatchback Toyota Corolla, has had its roof removed. The other car was a late-model dark green Mitsubishi Lancer.

UPDATE:

Acting Superintendent of Traffic Operations Rod Anderson said it appeared one of the cars was heading towards Civic on Belconnen Way, when the other crossed into its path as it turned right onto the Gungahlin Drive extension.

“Because of the large size of this intersection these two vehicles were almost traveling toward each other,” he said.

As the intersection is controlled by traffic lights, acting Superintendent Anderson said it was “quite possible” one of the cars ran through a red light, although it was too early to say if charges would be laid.

“From the nature of the damage and the skid marks, it doesn’t look like speed is a contributing factor,” he added.

“This is a tragedy on our roads; it’s the second fatality this year for the ACT. We just implore people to drive safely and follow the road rules.”

Police expect part of Belconnen Way around the intersection – particularly turning lanes to and from Gungahlin Drive – will be closed for a few more hours as they investigate the crash.

Acting Superintendent Anderson said several people witnessed the collision and some assisted at the scene. He asked anybody who saw the collision or helped out at the scene to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppers.com.au.