June 26, 2025

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Incident Overview
A male driver was seriously injured in a 12-vehicle collision believed to be caused by black ice on the Western Freeway in Gordon, near Ballarat, early Thursday morning. The crash led to one car becoming wedged under a truck and caused major traffic disruptions before the road was reopened.

“Wet and cold weather can reduce visibility and cause roads to be more slippery,” VicRoads said.

Location and Time
The crash occurred at approximately 6:10 am on Thursday, June 26, 2025, on the Western Freeway near Chapmans Road in Gordon, Victoria.

Vehicles Involved
The incident involved 12 vehicles, including at least one truck and several passenger cars. One vehicle was seen wedged underneath a truck at the crash site.

Injuries/Fatalities
Fatality: No fatalities have been reported.
Serious Injuries: A male driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital.
No Injuries: The article did not specify whether other drivers or passengers sustained injuries.

Emergency Response
Emergency services responded promptly to the collision. The seriously injured driver was airlifted to hospital from the scene. The freeway was closed near Chapmans Road for several hours while authorities cleared the scene.

“Some roads in alpine areas may be affected by snow, ice or fog and drivers should carry chains and fit them if required.” — VicRoads

Investigation
Victoria Police and relevant road safety authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. This includes analysing the sequence of events leading up to the 12-vehicle pile-up, as well as environmental factors such as black ice, reduced visibility, and weather conditions. Authorities are also reviewing any available dashcam or CCTV footage from vehicles travelling on the Western Freeway around 6:00–6:30 am on June 26, 2025.

Community Impact
The crash disrupted peak-hour travel and underscored concerns about black ice hazards in Victoria’s cold and wet winter conditions. The incident has prompted renewed warnings to drivers about the risks of early-morning travel in alpine and regional areas.

Witnesses/Appeals
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam or CCTV footage from the Western Freeway near Gordon around 6:10 am on Thursday, June 26, 2025, is urged to contact the authorities:

  • Crime Stoppers VIC: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
  • Witness Reporting: Contact Victoria Police directly via the local police station or submit information through the official website.