Crightons Hill crash catastrophe

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Crightons Hill crash catastrophe

 

A FATAL collision at Crightons Hill at Leongatha has prompted a call for roadworks to reduce the risk of future accidents.

A man was killed following a three car collision at the danger spot, just north of Leongatha on the Strzelecki Highway on Saturday afternoon.

Police believe a four wheel drive travelling to Mirboo North veered to the wrong side of the road at 4.30pm after failing to negotiate a left hand bend.

The car collided head on with two oncoming vehicles heading to Leongatha.

The 59 year old driver of the first oncoming car, identified as Uwe Pruin from Outtrim, died at the scene.

His 13 year old daughter was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital with several fractures to her arm and both her legs, along with other non-fatal injuries.

His wife and 15 year old daughter were taken to Leongatha Hospital for observation and later released.

The driver of the second oncoming car was a 20 year old from Newborough. He was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with non- life threatening chest injuries.

The driver of the four wheel drive was a 20 year old from Ferntree Gully. He was taken to Leongatha Hospital with minor injuries.

The cause of the incident is still undetermined. The accident is being investigated by detectives from the Major Collisions Unit.

The Major Collisions Unit will compile a report for the coroner and investigate any appropriate charges.

The Ferntree Gully man is assisting police with enquiries.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Leongatha residents Graeme and Marg Tuckett have seen several incidents occur on the bend over the years.

They have lost track of the number and hope to see the corner altered to improve safety.

The couple agreed the road was reasonably safe when dry, but risk levels increase with rain.

Saturday’s incident occurred during a dry day. Police urge drivers to concentrate, and travel to their capabilities and road conditions.

“It’s probably about time the speed limit was reduced as well,” Ms Tuckett said.

“There has been some talk of taking it down to 80.”

This incident has caused the provisional road toll to spike to 40. This is six more than the provisional road toll total in 2013.

The Star tried to contact VicRoads for comment about future roadworks, but they were unable to comment before going to print.

 

 

High risk: a four wheel drive veered to the wrong side of the Strzelecki Highway at Leongatha and caused a three car collision on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Channel 9 News.

High risk: a four wheel drive veered to the wrong side of the Strzelecki Highway at Leongatha and caused a three car collision on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Channel 9 News.

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Posted by on Feb 25 2014. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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