Kangaroo on road could have caused triple-fatal crash
The collision involving two SUVs occurred about 7.20am on Sunday on Bolinda-Darraweit Road in the Macedon Ranges, northwest of Melbourne.
The triple fatality brought the number of lives lost on Victorian roads in 72 hours to six, prompting renewed warnings from authorities.
Three people travelling in one SUV died at the scene, while two others involved in the crash were taken to hospital, one of whom had life-threatening injuries.
A dead kangaroo was found near the scene, with police looking into whether one of the SUVs had veered to avoid it.
"It appears one of the vehicles has veered into incoming traffic ... and they've collided head-on, which has caused the catastrophic scene," Senior Sergeant Ben Morris told reporters.
"We're not 100 per cent sure ... we're still working through the scene to confirm the involvement of the animal."
A motorist died hours later after a head-on collision on the Western Highway in Buangor, about 181km west of Melbourne.
Police were called to the scene after a car reportedly veered onto the wrong side of the freeway and collided with another vehicle.
The driver of the first car died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified.
The second car's driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a female passenger was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
In a separate incident on Saturday night, a rider died and another is fighting for life after a crash involving two motorcycles and two vehicles on the Western Freeway at Grangefields, near Melbourne.
A 16-year-old boy died in the city's east on Friday after being hit by a car, while an e-bike rider was critically injured in Geelong.
Road Policing Command Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said most of the serious collisions at the weekend were on regional roads.
"Every life lost is one too many," he said.
"What we have seen this weekend has been devastating and there are many families whose lives have changed forever as a result of the trauma on our roads."
Ambulance Victoria CEO Jordan Emery described the fatalities and injuries as the most horrific of circumstances.
"As a paramedic, I realise that these events are part of our job, but the tragic loss of life through road trauma is especially tough," he said."If there is one message we can send, it's to please take care when on the road. The impact is felt well beyond those behind the wheel."
There have been 156 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, 15 more than the same time in 2024.
Three people are dead and another has been critically injured after a horror crash on a regional road that police suspect might have been caused by a kangaroo.
The collision involving two SUVs occurred about 7.20am on Sunday on Bolinda-Darraweit Road in the Macedon Ranges, northwest of Melbourne.
The triple fatality brought the number of lives lost on Victorian roads in 72 hours to six, prompting renewed warnings from authorities.
Three people travelling in one SUV died at the scene, while two others involved in the crash were taken to hospital, one of whom had life-threatening injuries.
A dead kangaroo was found near the scene, with police looking into whether one of the SUVs had veered to avoid it.
"It appears one of the vehicles has veered into incoming traffic ... and they've collided head-on, which has caused the catastrophic scene," Senior Sergeant Ben Morris told reporters.
"We're not 100 per cent sure ... we're still working through the scene to confirm the involvement of the animal."
A motorist died hours later after a head-on collision on the Western Highway in Buangor, about 181km west of Melbourne.
Police were called to the scene after a car reportedly veered onto the wrong side of the freeway and collided with another vehicle.
The driver of the first car died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified.
The second car's driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a female passenger was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
In a separate incident on Saturday night, a rider died and another is fighting for life after a crash involving two motorcycles and two vehicles on the Western Freeway at Grangefields, near Melbourne.
A 16-year-old boy died in the city's east on Friday after being hit by a car, while an e-bike rider was critically injured in Geelong.
Road Policing Command Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said most of the serious collisions at the weekend were on regional roads.
"Every life lost is one too many," he said.
"What we have seen this weekend has been devastating and there are many families whose lives have changed forever as a result of the trauma on our roads."
Ambulance Victoria CEO Jordan Emery described the fatalities and injuries as the most horrific of circumstances.
"As a paramedic, I realise that these events are part of our job, but the tragic loss of life through road trauma is especially tough," he said."If there is one message we can send, it's to please take care when on the road. The impact is felt well beyond those behind the wheel."
There have been 156 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, 15 more than the same time in 2024.
Three people are dead and another has been critically injured after a horror crash on a regional road that police suspect might have been caused by a kangaroo.
The collision involving two SUVs occurred about 7.20am on Sunday on Bolinda-Darraweit Road in the Macedon Ranges, northwest of Melbourne.
The triple fatality brought the number of lives lost on Victorian roads in 72 hours to six, prompting renewed warnings from authorities.
Three people travelling in one SUV died at the scene, while two others involved in the crash were taken to hospital, one of whom had life-threatening injuries.
A dead kangaroo was found near the scene, with police looking into whether one of the SUVs had veered to avoid it.
"It appears one of the vehicles has veered into incoming traffic ... and they've collided head-on, which has caused the catastrophic scene," Senior Sergeant Ben Morris told reporters.
"We're not 100 per cent sure ... we're still working through the scene to confirm the involvement of the animal."
A motorist died hours later after a head-on collision on the Western Highway in Buangor, about 181km west of Melbourne.
Police were called to the scene after a car reportedly veered onto the wrong side of the freeway and collided with another vehicle.
The driver of the first car died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified.
The second car's driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a female passenger was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
In a separate incident on Saturday night, a rider died and another is fighting for life after a crash involving two motorcycles and two vehicles on the Western Freeway at Grangefields, near Melbourne.
A 16-year-old boy died in the city's east on Friday after being hit by a car, while an e-bike rider was critically injured in Geelong.
Road Policing Command Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said most of the serious collisions at the weekend were on regional roads.
"Every life lost is one too many," he said.
"What we have seen this weekend has been devastating and there are many families whose lives have changed forever as a result of the trauma on our roads."
Ambulance Victoria CEO Jordan Emery described the fatalities and injuries as the most horrific of circumstances.
"As a paramedic, I realise that these events are part of our job, but the tragic loss of life through road trauma is especially tough," he said."If there is one message we can send, it's to please take care when on the road. The impact is felt well beyond those behind the wheel."
There have been 156 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, 15 more than the same time in 2024.
Three people are dead and another has been critically injured after a horror crash on a regional road that police suspect might have been caused by a kangaroo.
The collision involving two SUVs occurred about 7.20am on Sunday on Bolinda-Darraweit Road in the Macedon Ranges, northwest of Melbourne.
The triple fatality brought the number of lives lost on Victorian roads in 72 hours to six, prompting renewed warnings from authorities.
Three people travelling in one SUV died at the scene, while two others involved in the crash were taken to hospital, one of whom had life-threatening injuries.
A dead kangaroo was found near the scene, with police looking into whether one of the SUVs had veered to avoid it.
"It appears one of the vehicles has veered into incoming traffic ... and they've collided head-on, which has caused the catastrophic scene," Senior Sergeant Ben Morris told reporters.
"We're not 100 per cent sure ... we're still working through the scene to confirm the involvement of the animal."
A motorist died hours later after a head-on collision on the Western Highway in Buangor, about 181km west of Melbourne.
Police were called to the scene after a car reportedly veered onto the wrong side of the freeway and collided with another vehicle.
The driver of the first car died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified.
The second car's driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a female passenger was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
In a separate incident on Saturday night, a rider died and another is fighting for life after a crash involving two motorcycles and two vehicles on the Western Freeway at Grangefields, near Melbourne.
A 16-year-old boy died in the city's east on Friday after being hit by a car, while an e-bike rider was critically injured in Geelong.
Road Policing Command Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said most of the serious collisions at the weekend were on regional roads.
"Every life lost is one too many," he said.
"What we have seen this weekend has been devastating and there are many families whose lives have changed forever as a result of the trauma on our roads."
Ambulance Victoria CEO Jordan Emery described the fatalities and injuries as the most horrific of circumstances.
"As a paramedic, I realise that these events are part of our job, but the tragic loss of life through road trauma is especially tough," he said."If there is one message we can send, it's to please take care when on the road. The impact is felt well beyond those behind the wheel."
There have been 156 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, 15 more than the same time in 2024.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
28 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Shock footage shows anti-Semitic arson
An anti-hate taskforce will assemble in Melbourne this week in the wake of the latest violent anti-Semitic incidents, with shock footage showing a series of arson attacks. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has pulled together the taskforce after a synagogue was firebombed, a Jewish-owned restaurant was stormed while people ate inside, and another business was vandalised; all across this past weekend. Ms Allan made a private visit to the targeted synagogue on Monday, and revealed the state government gave the shule $80,000 for increased security last year. The Premier has tapped the Police Minister, Lord Mayor and police executives for the 'anti-hate' taskforce, Ms Allan's office says. Invitations will go out to representatives of Melbourne's Jewish community. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the attacks. NewsWire / Nadir Kinani Credit: News Corp Australia The front door of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation was set on fire on Friday night. NewsWire / Valeriu Campan Credit: News Corp Australia Speaking outside the synagogue on Monday, Ms Allan said Jewish Victorians were an important part of the community. 'I'll continue to stand with a strong, proud Jewish community here in Victoria every single day. 'They are a big, important part of our community. They demand our support at this most difficult time. 'They demand our action, which is why, alongside strengthening laws and the response of Victoria Police, we will continue to work to build a stronger place where everyone can be who they are and practise their faith safe and free from hate.' In a statement released soon after, Ms Allan detailed the taskforce's first steps. She will request details on how Victoria Police plans to 'operationalise the criminal components' of the new Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Act. Ms Allan has also requested an update from the Local Escalation and Help (LEAH) group, which was set up to support the Jewish community at a local level. The taskforce members will also learn how community consultation and development of legislation is progressing, in a push for increased police powers to stamp out extreme and violent protest. At the synagogue on Monday, Ms Allan said she pledged to the Rabbi that the government would fund mental health support for the people inside during the fire, particularly the children. Ms Allan also revealed the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation received $80,000 from the government for security upgrades in December. 'Free Palestine' was graffitied onto the wall of a restaurant in the Melbourne CBD. NewsWire / Nadir Kinani Credit: News Corp Australia Police spoke to the owners of the popular restaurant. NewsWire / Nadir Kinani Credit: News Corp Australia 'Places of worship like this synagogue are a part of our fabric as a society,' Ms Allan said. 'We will protect them with everything we've got.' Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she and shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser would travel to the east Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday. 'Julian Leeser and I will be traveling tomorrow to the east Melbourne synagogue with other Victorian colleagues to meet the Jewish community there and to hear directly from them about the awful, hideous events over the weekend, and to reassure them of our ongoing support, our care and our commitment,' she said. The first of this weekend's three incidents happened at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation at 8pm on Friday as about 20 adults and children worshipped inside. Angelo Loras, 34, from NSW, allegedly poured accelerant on the front door and set fire to the synagogue. Nobody inside was physically injured. Mr Loras was arrested about 24 hours later and has been charged with recklessly endangering life. Police are still assessing whether the incident constituted an act of terrorism. In a separate incident in the CBD on Friday night, an Israeli-owned restaurant was targeted. As people ate, a group of people who had split off from an anti-police violence protest harassed and intimidated diners. This incident happened on busy Hardware Lane. Cars were set alight and vandalised at the business in Melbourne's northeast early on Saturday morning. Supplied Credit: Supplied One of the three cars targeted by arsonists was destroyed. Supplied Credit: Supplied A 28-year-old from Footscray was arrested for hindering police and released on summons. Police have now released footage of a third incident, this too believed to have anti-Israeli motivations. This act of vandalism happened at a business in the northeast suburb of Greensborough about 4am on Saturday. Police say five people entered the property on Para Rd and set fire to three cars. One of the cars was destroyed. 'The group also used red spray paint to write various slogans on the cars and on a building wall,' a police spokesperson said. Police released footage of the attack early on Monday. It shows masked people setting two cars on fire, while another person spray paints one of the cars. 'While investigators continue to liaise with Counter Terrorism Command to establish if there are any connections to the arson on the synagogue in East Melbourne and a public order incident on Hardware Lane, at this time no links have been identified,' a police spokesperson said. 'There is absolutely no place at all in our society for anti-Semitic behaviour.' Police say this group took off on e-bikes in a south-westerly direction along Plenty River. All were wearing black hoodies, with backpacks and gloves.
Sky News AU
43 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
Today's News Headlines: Victoria Premier to form anti-hate taskforce after antisemitic attacks in Melbourne.
The Victorian Opposition failing to gain support according to the latest Newspoll, NSW Police investigating a 'contract crew' over a six day crime spree. Plus, at least 70 people dead in Texas flash flooding
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Weapons company car park targeted as police search for group of arsonists
Five hooded vandals, who allegedly set parked cars alight in an arson attack, are wanted by police. The target of the group's alleged attack was Lovitt Technologies Australia, a business involved in defence and military manufacturing, based in Melbourne's northeast. The group allegedly spray-painted cars in the business's car park at the Para Road office in Greensborough at 3.55am on July 5. The group then set fire to three cars, police said. "One of the vehicles was destroyed, while the other two sustained moderate damage," police said. The group allegedly hopped over the business's back fence and fled the scene on e-bikes along Plenty River. "Various slogans" were spray-painted on the cars and on a business wall. Police did not offer information on the painted messages but did say that "there is absolutely no place at all in our society for antisemitic behaviour". Detectives have explored potential links to an arson attack at a synagogue in East Melbourne and a clash outside Miznon restaurant in Melbourne's CBD. "At this time, no links have been identified," police confirmed. It comes as Victoria established a new anti-hate taskforce to tackle the "bigger picture" of anti-Semitism, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at Five hooded vandals, who allegedly set parked cars alight in an arson attack, are wanted by police. The target of the group's alleged attack was Lovitt Technologies Australia, a business involved in defence and military manufacturing, based in Melbourne's northeast. The group allegedly spray-painted cars in the business's car park at the Para Road office in Greensborough at 3.55am on July 5. The group then set fire to three cars, police said. "One of the vehicles was destroyed, while the other two sustained moderate damage," police said. The group allegedly hopped over the business's back fence and fled the scene on e-bikes along Plenty River. "Various slogans" were spray-painted on the cars and on a business wall. Police did not offer information on the painted messages but did say that "there is absolutely no place at all in our society for antisemitic behaviour". Detectives have explored potential links to an arson attack at a synagogue in East Melbourne and a clash outside Miznon restaurant in Melbourne's CBD. "At this time, no links have been identified," police confirmed. It comes as Victoria established a new anti-hate taskforce to tackle the "bigger picture" of anti-Semitism, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at Five hooded vandals, who allegedly set parked cars alight in an arson attack, are wanted by police. The target of the group's alleged attack was Lovitt Technologies Australia, a business involved in defence and military manufacturing, based in Melbourne's northeast. The group allegedly spray-painted cars in the business's car park at the Para Road office in Greensborough at 3.55am on July 5. The group then set fire to three cars, police said. "One of the vehicles was destroyed, while the other two sustained moderate damage," police said. The group allegedly hopped over the business's back fence and fled the scene on e-bikes along Plenty River. "Various slogans" were spray-painted on the cars and on a business wall. Police did not offer information on the painted messages but did say that "there is absolutely no place at all in our society for antisemitic behaviour". Detectives have explored potential links to an arson attack at a synagogue in East Melbourne and a clash outside Miznon restaurant in Melbourne's CBD. "At this time, no links have been identified," police confirmed. It comes as Victoria established a new anti-hate taskforce to tackle the "bigger picture" of anti-Semitism, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at Five hooded vandals, who allegedly set parked cars alight in an arson attack, are wanted by police. The target of the group's alleged attack was Lovitt Technologies Australia, a business involved in defence and military manufacturing, based in Melbourne's northeast. The group allegedly spray-painted cars in the business's car park at the Para Road office in Greensborough at 3.55am on July 5. The group then set fire to three cars, police said. "One of the vehicles was destroyed, while the other two sustained moderate damage," police said. The group allegedly hopped over the business's back fence and fled the scene on e-bikes along Plenty River. "Various slogans" were spray-painted on the cars and on a business wall. Police did not offer information on the painted messages but did say that "there is absolutely no place at all in our society for antisemitic behaviour". Detectives have explored potential links to an arson attack at a synagogue in East Melbourne and a clash outside Miznon restaurant in Melbourne's CBD. "At this time, no links have been identified," police confirmed. It comes as Victoria established a new anti-hate taskforce to tackle the "bigger picture" of anti-Semitism, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at
