Backseat Passenger Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash at Laverton North Intersection, Melbourne – February 13, 2025

Incident Overview
A backseat passenger tragically lost their life in a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Dohertys Road and Fitzgerald Road in Laverton North, Melbourne. The collision involved a black Ford Ranger, a silver Mitsubishi, and a stationary grey Volkswagen. The Ford Ranger sustained severe damage, leaving it almost unrecognizable after the crash. Emergency services attended the scene, but despite their efforts, the rear passenger could not be saved. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Location and Time
The crash occurred at the intersection of Dohertys Road and Fitzgerald Road in Laverton North, Melbourne. The incident took place at approximately 10:10 pm on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Vehicles Involved
The crash involved three vehicles, each playing a significant role in the sequence of events that unfolded at the intersection. A black Ford Ranger was traveling east along Fitzgerald Road when the collision occurred. This vehicle, which sustained catastrophic damage in the crash, was occupied by both the driver and a backseat passenger. Following the initial impact, the Ford veered off course, striking other objects in its path.

A silver Mitsubishi, traveling south on Dohertys Road, was the second vehicle involved in the crash. It collided with the Ford Ranger at the intersection, setting off the chain of events that led to the tragic outcome. Fortunately, the sole occupant of the Mitsubishi escaped the incident unharmed, despite the significant force of the collision.

The third vehicle involved was a stationary grey Volkswagen, which was struck after the Ford Ranger veered off course following its collision with the Mitsubishi. The Volkswagen, parked at the time of the crash, suffered damage as it was hit by the out-of-control Ford. Like the Mitsubishi, the sole occupant of the Volkswagen was uninjured in the incident.

Together, these three vehicles—each in different states of motion or rest at the time of the crash—contributed to the complex dynamics of the collision, leaving investigators with a challenging task of piecing together the exact sequence of events.

Crash Description
The black Ford Ranger collided with the silver Mitsubishi at the intersection of Dohertys Road and Fitzgerald Road. After the impact, the Ford veered off course, smashing into a traffic signal pole before colliding with the stationary grey Volkswagen. The force of the crash left the Ford severely damaged. The backseat passenger in the Ford tragically died at the scene, while the driver sustained serious injuries and required urgent medical attention. The sole occupants of both the Mitsubishi and the Volkswagen were uninjured.

Injuries/Fatalities
The backseat passenger of the black Ford Ranger tragically died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified. The driver of the Ford sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The sole occupants of the Mitsubishi and Volkswagen escaped the crash unharmed.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics and police, were dispatched to the scene shortly after 10:10 pm. Paramedics provided critical care to the injured driver of the Ford, while police secured the area and began managing traffic disruptions caused by the crash. The intersection remains closed as authorities work to clear debris and gather evidence.

Investigation
Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators will examine potential factors such as speed, road conditions, visibility, or driver behavior. A report will be prepared for the coroner to determine the exact cause of the collision. Authorities are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage that may assist in determining the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

Witnesses/Appeals
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to drivers or pedestrians who were traveling near the intersection of Dohertys Road and Fitzgerald Road around 10:10 pm on Thursday, February 13, 2025 . Dashcam or CCTV footage from nearby properties may also provide valuable evidence and can be submitted to investigators.

Community Impact
The tragic death of the backseat passenger has deeply affected the Laverton North community and surrounding areas. Residents have expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased, while the incident has reignited discussions about road safety, particularly at busy intersections like Dohertys Road and Fitzgerald Road. The closure of the intersection has caused significant traffic disruptions, with motorists urged to seek alternative routes during the investigation. This crash marks the 41st life lost on Victorian roads this year , compared to 32 lives lost at the same time last year, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures.

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors could include excessive speed, driver distraction, poor visibility, or environmental conditions such as weather or road surface. The condition of the vehicles involved and whether seatbelts were used may also be considered as part of the inquiry.