Emergency services were involved in a major response to a serious single-vehicle crash on the Hamilton Highway near Geelong on Tuesday morning. The incident has caused significant traffic disruptions and required a complex rescue operation.
Emergency Response and Road Closure
The collision occurred on the Hamilton Highway at Mount Bute, close to the town of Inverleigh, just after 11:30 am. Initial reports indicated a vehicle had left the roadway and crashed, resulting in one person becoming trapped inside.
A substantial contingent of emergency crews was dispatched to the scene. This included multiple units from the Country Fire Authority (CFA), firefighters from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), and paramedics from Ambulance Victoria. Victoria Police also attended to manage traffic and investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Due to the severity of the incident and the ongoing rescue effort, authorities were forced to implement a full road closure. The Hamilton Highway was shut down in both directions between Shelford-Inverleigh Road and Cressy Road. Motorists were urged to avoid the area entirely and seek alternative routes.
Complex Rescue Operation
The primary focus for emergency personnel at the scene was the extrication of the driver, who was reported to be trapped within the damaged vehicle. Firefighters worked meticulously with specialist equipment to safely free the individual.
Once released from the wreckage, the patient was treated by paramedics at the scene. Ambulance Victoria confirmed that one patient was transported to University Hospital Geelong for further medical care. The condition of the patient has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
The cause of the crash is not yet known and will be subject to an investigation by Victoria Police. The single-vehicle nature of the incident suggests the driver may have lost control, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Community Impact and Aftermath
The road closure caused considerable inconvenience for local residents and commercial traffic using the key regional route. The Hamilton Highway is a major arterial road connecting Geelong to western districts, and the closure disrupted travel plans for many throughout the afternoon.
Authorities began the process of clearing the wreckage and reopening the highway once the rescue and initial investigative work were completed. Drivers were advised to continue exercising patience and to follow the directions of traffic management signs and personnel in the area.
This serious incident serves as a stark reminder for all motorists travelling on regional highways to remain vigilant, especially on roads that can be subject to changing conditions. The emergency response highlighted the coordinated work of Victoria's various emergency services when a critical incident occurs.
