General News
13 November, 2023
Driver airlifted in serious condition after crash
Following an already tragic couple of weeks for Victorian drivers, another incident on local roads has prompted police to once again urge motorists to drive safely. Emergency services responded to a crash at Alma at around 9.30 am on Monday after...
Following an already tragic couple of weeks for Victorian drivers, another incident on local roads has prompted police to once again urge motorists to drive safely.
Emergency services responded to a crash at Alma at around 9.30 am on Monday after a garbage truck, travelling west on the Maryborough-St Arnaud road, veered off and turned on its side after running into a drain.
The single occupant of the vehicle, a 34-year-old man from Ascot, was initially unconscious and was found trapped in the truck before he was removed by first responders according to police.
Police said the man was taken by road ambulance to the airfield — he has been transported to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne in a life-threatening condition.
“We’ve spoken to a number of witnesses that were present when the incident occurred and what has caused the truck to leave the road, at this stage, is still the subject of our investigation,” Central Goldfields Highway Patrol Sergeant Paul Martin said.
“There were a number of other vehicles travelling in the area at the time, but none of those were involved fortunately.”
Sgt Martin said while police worked to determine the cause of the crash, people needed to remember the importance of being safe on the roads.
“We are coming off the back of a terrible weekend on the roads, we’ve had a number of collisions that have been serious in terms of injuries,” he said.
“[There have been] some common causations in collisions across the board and they are distraction, fatigue, speed and impairment.
“We do urge people to take additional care when they’re travelling, particulary if they’re on roads they’re not familiar with, don’t speed, and resist the temptation to use devices — focus on driving.
“Consider other road users as well. We appeal to people to just take your time, be considerate and make sure you get to where you need to go safely.”
As of November 12, 258 lives have been lost on Victorian roads — these numbers also follow a local incident that took place last week on November 4, where a 47-year-old Maryborough man sadly died after his car left the road and struck a tree near Clunes.
Another tragic scene at Daylesford on November 5 shocked the state, after a car ploughed into a pub killing five people, including two children.
Anyone who witnessed the collision at Alma on Monday, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au