A teenage boy has been left with life-threatening injuries following a serious collision between an electric bicycle and a parked car in the coastal town of Anglesea.
Emergency Response to Great Ocean Road Incident
The crash occurred on the Great Ocean Road near O'Donohue Road shortly after 3:30 PM on Saturday, April 13. Emergency services, including Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, and local firefighters, were dispatched to the scene following multiple emergency calls.
Paramedics treated the teenage rider at the location for critical injuries before urgently transporting him to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne via air ambulance. His condition was described as serious upon arrival at the major trauma centre.
Police Investigation Underway
Victoria Police have confirmed they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The initial investigation suggests the teenage boy was riding the e-bike along the Great Ocean Road when he collided with a stationary vehicle.
The driver of the parked car was not inside the vehicle at the time of the incident and is assisting police with their inquiries. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have been notified and are expected to examine the scene thoroughly.
Authorities have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash to come forward to help piece together the events leading to the collision.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The crash has shaken the usually tranquil Surf Coast community, prompting discussions about road safety, particularly concerning the increasing popularity of e-bikes and other personal mobility devices. The section of road where the crash occurred is a major tourist route, often busy with traffic.
Local residents reported a significant emergency service presence, which caused traffic disruptions in the area for several hours as investigators worked. The scene was forensically examined, and the damaged e-bike and car were removed for further analysis.
This serious incident serves as a stark reminder for all road users to exercise caution. Police continue to urge riders of e-bikes and scooters to wear appropriate safety gear, obey road rules, and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
As of the latest updates, the teenage boy remains in a critical condition in hospital. The investigation by Victoria Police is ongoing.