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Cloverdale crash: Rabin Rawal identified as driver who drove wrong way down Leach Highway before fatal smash

Francesca De Nuccio and Bryce Luff7NEWS
VideoThe collision instantly killed the 43-year-old and three others who were travelling in a taxi in Cloverdale.

The identity of a driver who caused a horrific smash that killed four people in Perth on Monday has been revealed, as the Premier flagged more “disturbing” details would come from an investigation into the highway catastrophe.

Rabin Rawal deliberately drove down the wrong side of Leach Hwy before slamming head-on into a taxi near Abernethy Rd in Cloverdale, killing himself and three others, about 3.40am.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Rabin Rawal identified as RAV4 driver killed on Leach Hwy.

Rawal, 43, is a father, husband and government employee from Cloverdale who lived about 2km from the crash site.

Friends told 7NEWS he was a renowned member of the Nepalese community and they are still coming to terms with this shocking news.

Rawal was driving a grey RAV4 when he turned onto the wrong side of Leach Hwy before the fiery collision.

Robin Rawal has been identified as the RAV4 driver killed in a smash on Leach Hwy on Monday.
Camera IconRobin Rawal has been identified as the RAV4 driver killed in a smash on Leach Hwy on Monday. Credit: 7NEWS

Rawal was killed instantly, as was 58-year-old husband and father-of-three Sendeku Tesema.

Seated in the rear of Tesema’s Toyota Camry taxi was a mother and daughter, aged 81 and 56.

They could not be saved and died at the scene.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hugh Le Tessier on Monday said the RAV4 driver had made a “conscious decision” to travel on the wrong side of Leach Hwy, but it was unclear why.

He added the crash was “almost the most horrific incident you could attend as a police officer in a road crash scenario — very confronting”.

Four people were killed on Leach Hwy in Cloverdale when a RAV4 and Camry collided early on Monday.
Camera IconFour people were killed on Leach Hwy in Cloverdale when a RAV4 and Camry collided early on Monday. Credit: 7NEWS
Taxi driver Sendeku Tesema was one victim of the fiery smash.
Camera IconTaxi driver Sendeku Tesema was one victim of the fiery smash. Credit: Sendeku Tesema/Facebook

WA Premier Roger Cook said the investigation would draw out more unsettling information.

“There will be more details and they’ll be disturbing,” he said.

“Our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who’s been impacted by this dreadful, dreadful crash and we look forward to the police concluding their investigations.”

Police Commissioner Col Blanch said authorities were “very concerned by what we’ve recovered from the dashcam” and confirmed they were looking into whether the crash was a murder-suicide.

“That’s certainly part of the investigation and we may end up with that conclusion but it’s too early to tell,” he said.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

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