A 92-year-old woman has tragically died following a single-vehicle crash in the Geelong suburb of Grovedale on Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency Response at the Scene
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Torquay Road and Bailey Street just after 4:30 pm on May 29, following reports of a crash. Upon arrival, they found a car that had left the roadway and collided with a tree.
The elderly female driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, sustained critical injuries. Despite the best efforts of paramedics at the scene, the woman, from the local Grovedale area, was pronounced dead.
Police Launch Investigation
Victoria Police have confirmed they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. A report will be prepared for the Coroner, which is standard procedure in such incidents.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are likely to examine factors including vehicle condition, driver health, and road conditions at the time.
Torquay Road was closed in both directions for several hours while emergency crews worked at the scene and police conducted their initial investigations. This caused significant traffic disruptions during the evening commute.
Community and Witness Appeal
The death has sent shockwaves through the close-knit Grovedale community. Local residents have expressed their sadness over the loss of an elderly member of their neighbourhood.
Police are urging any witnesses, or drivers with dashcam footage who were in the area of Torquay Road and Bailey Street around 4:30 pm on Wednesday, to contact Crime Stoppers. Any piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial to the investigation.
This tragic incident serves as a sombre reminder of road safety for all drivers, particularly older motorists. It highlights the importance of regular medical checks and assessing fitness to drive as we age.
The identity of the woman has not been formally released, pending notification of her extended family.