Four people have been killed and five others, including a child and several teenagers, have been rushed to hospital following a horrific minivan crash in regional Victoria, just days before Christmas.
Details of the Tragic Collision
A white Toyota HiAce van carrying nine people veered off Chapel Rd in Muckatah, in northern Victoria, and slammed into a tree around 5pm on Monday. The vehicle was transporting a mix of adults and young people, including a child and three teenagers.
Emergency services arrived at the scene to find a scene of devastation. Tragically, four passengers, all believed to be adults, died at the site of the crash. The remaining five occupants were extracted from the wreckage and transported to various hospitals for urgent treatment.
Victims Airlifted in Critical Condition
The youngest victim, a 10-year-old child, and a female teenager were both airlifted in a critical condition to The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. Their injuries are considered life-threatening.
Two other survivors, a man and another female teen, were airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. They are reported to be in a serious but stable condition. A third female teenager was taken by road ambulance to Goulburn Valley Health and is in a stable condition.
Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason confirmed that the male driver was among those who survived the crash. The relationship between all nine passengers remains unclear, and the identities of the deceased have not yet been formally released.
Police Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities have stated it is not yet known where the van was travelling to or what caused the driver to leave the roadway. Acting Superintendent Mason said there was a possibility some of the passengers were workers in the local area.
"It's an absolutely tragic incident," Acting Superintendent Mason said. "We've got four lives lost and as we know, we're only 10 days away from Christmas."
He emphasised the profound impact of the crash, noting that four people would not see Christmas in 2025 and that the collision would "devastate and destroy" the lives of countless loved ones, friends, and relatives.
The Major Collision Investigation Unit has taken over the probe to determine the cause of the accident. Police believe another motorist may have witnessed the crash and are appealing to that person, and anyone else with information, to come forward.
Acting Superintendent Mason made a direct appeal for dashcam footage from anyone travelling on Chapel Rd, Muckatah, around 5pm on Monday. This evidence is considered crucial to understanding the sequence of events that led to the fatal collision.
