Car and ute crashes

Fatal Car or ute VIC

Family Demands Justice After Fatal Rochester Crash Investigation Closed – Rochester, VIC – 5 July 2024

5 July 2024 · Northern Highway, 5km south of Rochester, VIC

Published 6 August 2025 · Updated 24 April 2026

Key facts

When
5 Jul 2024Friday
Where
Northern Highway, 5km south of Rochester, VIC
Type
Head-on collision
Killed
2 peopleTwo siblings, ages 65 and 68
Injured
3 people
Investigation
Victoria PoliceVictoria Police conducted a year-long investigation and concluded that no charges would be laid due to “no reasonable prospect of conviction.” Police cited that the driver of the ute provided limited cooperation.

What happened

Incident Overview

The family of two siblings killed in a head-on collision in Rochester, Victoria, have spoken out after Victoria Police closed the investigation without laying charges. The victims were travelling to celebrate cancer remission news when their lives were tragically cut short.

Peter Grant and Dianne Smith were en route to Bendigo to share the news of Ms Smith’s cancer remission when their car collided head-on with a ute. Both siblings died at the scene. Their family alleges the ute veered into the wrong lane, and police reportedly confirmed Peter Grant was not at fault.

  • Crash Date: Friday, 5 July 2024
  • Location: Northern Highway, 5km south of Rochester, VIC
  • Vehicle 1: Passenger vehicle driven by Peter Grant with Dianne Smith as passenger
  • Vehicle 2: Ute carrying two passengers
  • Deceased: Peter Grant, 65, from Shepparton; Dianne Smith, 68, from Kyabram
  • Injured: Ute driver and two passengers (extent of injuries not fully detailed)

Investigation

Victoria Police conducted a year-long investigation and concluded that no charges would be laid due to “no reasonable prospect of conviction.” Police cited that the driver of the ute provided limited cooperation. The family was informed 11 days after the crash anniversary.

Family’s Statement
Nieces Amanda and Bronwyn expressed deep frustration and disappointment with the outcome, stating, “There’s no justice… [he] will be walking free.” They are committed to keeping the memory of their uncle and aunt alive and want the public to understand the human cost of fatal crashes.

Support and Community Response
Renee Brauer from Amber Community commented that the absence of formal justice can intensify grief, leaving families without closure. The family is advocating for greater awareness of how driver behaviour can devastate lives, even without legal consequences.

Appeal for Information

  • Victoria Police: [Contact Link](https://www.police.vic.gov.au)
  • Amber Community: [Amber Community Website](https://ambercommunity.org.au)

If you were involved in a crash in Queensland

  1. 01Injury claims are usually made against the compulsory third party (CTP) insurer of the vehicle at fault.
  2. 02A Notice of Accident Claim Form is generally due within 9 months of the crash, or within 1 month of first consulting a lawyer, whichever is earlier.
  3. 03Families of people killed in a crash may be able to claim for loss of financial support.

General information only, not legal advice.

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