One dead in horrific Mt Rowan crash

A third man, from Miners Rest, escaped relatively unhurt after two four-wheel drive vehicles collided at the corner of Creswick Road and Kennedys Road about 6.25pm.

Ambulance Victoria spokesperson John Mullen said emergency staff attempted to resuscitate the driver, from the Colac area, at the scene, but were unable to.

A male passenger in the white four-wheel drive, from Warrnambool, was injured and taken to hospital.

“One male, approximately in his 50s, was transported to hospital in a serious condition with pelvic and abdominal injuries,” Mr Mullen said.

Ballarat Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Dave Morton said the driver of the maroon four-wheel drive from Miners Rest escaped relatively unhurt.

“The driver of the maroon car has no serious injuries,” Acting Sergeant Morton said. “He is helping us with our investigation.”

Also on Saturday, a car caught fire on the Sebastapol-Smythesdale Road after 9.30pm.

Linton police Senior Constable Tony Walker said the vehicle was parked at the intersection of Tudors Road and Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road at Ross Creek.

He said that after the owner hitchhiked into Ballarat he returned to the vehicle to find it on fire.

“Police can’t ascertain whether it’s accidental or criminal,” Senior Constable Walker said.

“If the driver of the white Holden Commodore that picked up the single male person around 9.30pm heading towards Sebastopol on that road could contact Linton police as inquiries are continuing.”

A car also ploughed through a fence along Naringal Road at Linton yesterday about 11am, causing damage to a fence and colliding with a tree. The car was collected later that day. “If anyone has any information regarding the car fire or the incident on Naringal Road, could they please contact Linton police,” Senior Constable Walker said.