Ballarat's top police officer has spoken of the devastating impact of yet another fatal crash on our roads.
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Superintendent Jenny Wilson said the latest fatality, this time on the Western Freeway at Mt Rowan, would have a devastating effect on both the families and emergency services involved.
One person was killed and a father-of-four left fighting for life after the horror smash, at about 6.10am on Tuesday.
Police are yet to identify the person who died in the crash, in which a car was torn apart and burst into flames after smashing into a bridge pylon.
A 57-year-old Maryborough man remains in a critical condition in The Alfred hospital, crashing after trying to avoid the disastrous smash near the Gillies Street overpass.
His ute collided with another vehicle, both of which were trying to avoid the debris left by the initial crash.
The Maryborough father was airlifted in a critical condition, while the 20-year-old Stawell man in the other ute escaped serious injury.
Police believe speed might have been a factor in the initial crash, but said it was too early to be definite.
Superintendent Wilson said the incident would have a devastating impact.
"The scene police and other emergency services responded to is horrific, at some stage police will try and identify the occupants of each vehicle and inform their families of this tragedy," said Superintendent Wilson.
"In coming days, I and my other local managers will talk to our members and try and manage their welfare as they deal with not only the impact on this event, but the cumulative harm, exposure to these events has on each of us as emergency service workers."
Superintendent Wilson said such carnage on the road was "avoidable" and sent out a stark warning to all drivers.
There has been 172 people killed on Victorian roads this year, compared to 111 at the same time last year.
"I continue to urge all road users to drive within the road and weather conditions, heed our road laws as they have evolved for good reason to try and keep you safe, think of not only yourselves but think how your actions impact other road users.
"Talk up road safety to your children, you relatives, your friends and your community - all these incidents are avoidable and as your local police, we just want to see you travel and arrive safe at your destination."
You can read Superintendent Wilson's full statement here:
"This morning at 6.10am, Ballarat Police and Highway Patrol members responded to a serious vehicle accident on the Western Hwy in Ballarat.
"Upon arrival police discovered a vehicle that appears to have hit a bridge pillion (early indication appears the collision has occurred at speed); this has caused extensive damage to the vehicle which has consequently caught fire.
"Sadly we know a person has lost their life in this incident.
"A second vehicle behind this one has stopped to avoid colliding into the accident.
"A third vehicle travelling behind the second vehicle has then collided into the rear of this second vehicle, we don't know what caused this collision but distraction has not been ruled out as a contributing factor.
"This third vehicle has been extensively damaged and this driver has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition with life changing injuries.
"At this stage police are considering causal factors of speed, distraction however as the investigation unfolds in coming days they will also consider drugs, alcohol, fatigue, whether seat belts were worn, medical conditions of the drivers, driver competence, road conditions, weather conditions this list goes on, no stone goes unturned.
"The scene police and other emergency services responded to this morning is horrific, at some stage today police will try and identify the occupants of each vehicle and inform their families of this tragedy, knowing that they will be delivering news that will change each family's lives forever as well as impact local communities.
"My thoughts today are with the families of the victims involved in today's incidents.
"In coming days, I and my other local managers will talk to our members and try and manage their welfare as they deal with not only the impact on this event, but the cumulative harm, exposure to these events has on each of us as emergency service workers.
"I continue to urge all road users to drive within the road and weather conditions, heed our road laws as they have evolved for good reason to try and keep you safe, think of not only yourselves but think how your actions impact other road users.
"Talk up road safety to your children, you relatives, your friends and your community - all these incidents are avoidable and as your local police, we just want to see you travel and arrive safe at your destination.
"My thoughts today are with the families of the victims involved in today's accidents.
"Take Care."
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