Police investigate as teen found dead inside car fire following Marine Tce crash in Geraldton’s West End

A teenager has been found dead inside a car that was on fire following a crash in the industrial part of Geraldton’s main street. The gold Nissan Tiida was found in flames on Saturday morning after crashing into a tree at the intersection of Marine Terrace and Point Street in West End. Geraldton police said they were called to a vehicle on fire about 11am. Police and emergency services arrived at the scene where the car was still burning, and after it was extinguished the 17-year-old male driver was found dead inside. No other people found at the scene were involved in the incident. Major crash officers are investigating the crash, with police saying the car was being driven east on Marine Terrace, near Point Street, when it struck a tree. Police say the 17-year-old boy who was driving died from his injuries at the scene. That section of Marine Terrace was blocked off for most of the day as police continued to investigate. “A tragic start to Christmas break unfortunately in Geraldton,” Mid West-Gascoyne Police District Supt Steve Post said. Supt Post said on Saturday afternoon that Major Crash officers from Perth were on the scene and continuing the investigation. “They will work into the night until they have concluded their scene examination and roads around that area will remain closed until then,” he said. “Thankfully there are ways to easily detour around that area so there is no hurry to move the car and reopen the road.” Major crash investigators finished at the scene, the car was removed and road reopened before 6pm. Tributes have started flowing on social media, with the 17-year-old described as a “fantastic young man lost”. One person posted: “My genuine and sincere heartfelt apologies to the family. He was an amazing son, brother, nephew and sportsman.” Another person wrote her husband had desperately tried to help the young driver. “My husband was there and now is a complete mess he is not coping at all. As he just wanted to help and get the person out. My condolences to the family so tragic,” she posted. Police are asking for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report it online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au Dash-cam or mobile phone vision relating to the crash can be uploaded directly here.