May 9, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A serious collision occurred on the CityLink Freeway in Burnley , Melbourne, in the early hours of Friday, May 9, 2025 , at approximately 2:10 am .

It is believed that a car was traveling in the wrong direction along the citybound lanes when it collided with a truck . The driver of the car suffered life-threatening injuries and required extraction by fire crews before being rushed to hospital. The truck driver was not injured .

The incident has led to the closure of two inbound right lanes just after Yarra Boulevard , causing significant traffic delays.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam or CCTV footage to contact authorities to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Friday, May 9, 2025 (approximately 2:10 am).
  • Location: CityLink Freeway, Burnley, Melbourne — citybound lanes just after Yarra Boulevard.

Vehicles Involved

  • A **car** driven by a male believed to be travelling in the **wrong direction** on the freeway.
  • A **truck** involved in the head-on collision.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Critical Injuries:
    • The driver of the car sustained life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized following the crash.
  • No Injuries:
    • The truck driver was not physically injured in the collision.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services responded immediately to reports of a major crash on the CityLink Freeway.
  • Fire crews worked to extract the car driver from the vehicle due to severe damage from the impact.
  • Paramedics transported the driver to hospital for urgent medical treatment.

“A large emergency services operation commenced, with fire crews attempting to extricate the driver who was trapped inside the car.”
— 7NEWS report

Traffic Impact

  • Road Closures: Two inbound right lanes were closed just after Yarra Boulevard.
  • Delays: Motorists were advised to allow **extra travel time** due to congestion and emergency operations.

Police Investigation
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, focusing on:

  • Potential factors such as wrong-way driving, speed, distraction, or impairment.
  • Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the incident.
  • Dashcam and CCTV footage to help determine how and why the car was traveling in the wrong direction.

“The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision remains ongoing.”
— Victoria Police statement

Appeal for Information
The community is urged to assist authorities by providing any information that could help determine the cause of the crash:

  • Crime Stoppers Victoria: Report information anonymously by calling 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
  • Witnesses are encouraged to share dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, or any observations about the vehicle or the driver’s behavior prior to the crash.

Community Impact
This dangerous wrong-way crash highlights the risks faced by drivers on high-speed freeways like CityLink . Such incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible driving and awareness, particularly during late-night hours when fatigue and impaired driving can pose serious threats.