Man Killed, Others Injured in Mount Moriac Crash Days Before Christmas – December 20, 2024

What happened

Incident Overview

On Friday, December 20, 2024, a serious two-vehicle collision occurred near the intersection of Cape Otway Road and Princes Highway in Mount Moriac, Victoria, claiming the life of one man and seriously injuring two others. A Mazda CX-5 carrying four people and a Toyota Landcruiser collided at the busy junction in the morning, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Victoria Police attended the scene and declared the incident a serious crash. The road was closed for an extended period as detectives conducted a full scene examination during the busy Christmas period.

Location and Time

The collision occurred at approximately 11:30 am on Friday, December 20, 2024, near the intersection of Cape Otway Road and Princes Highway in Mount Moriac, Victoria. This intersection is known to be a busy junction, particularly during the holiday season when traffic volumes increase significantly.

Vehicles Involved

Vehicle 1

• Make/Model: Mazda CX-5
• Occupants: four people

Vehicle 2

• Make/Model: Toyota Landcruiser
• Driver: transported to hospital with minor injuries

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• Male passenger of the Mazda CX-5 (deceased at scene)

Injuries

• Female passenger of the Mazda CX-5 (airlifted to hospital, serious injuries)
• Driver of the Mazda CX-5 (non-life-threatening injuries)
• Passenger of the Mazda CX-5 (non-life-threatening injuries)
• Driver of the Toyota Landcruiser (hospitalised, minor injuries)

Community Impact

The road closure caused significant disruption to traffic in the area during the busy Christmas period. The incident occurred just days before Christmas, casting a shadow over the holiday season for those involved and the wider Mount Moriac community.

Emergency Response

Victoria Police, paramedics, and an air ambulance responded to the scene within minutes of the collision. One patient was airlifted to hospital by air ambulance, while other injured persons were transported by road ambulance. Emergency services managed the scene and secured the area for investigation.

Investigation

Victoria Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The driver of the Mazda CX-5 has been taken to hospital under police guard, indicating their actions are under scrutiny as part of the investigation. The exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under examination.

Police are appealing for any motorists who witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage to come forward. This information could be crucial in assisting investigators in determining the cause of the collision and any contributing factors.

Appeal for Information

Victoria Police are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage of the area around Cape Otway Road and Princes Highway in Mount Moriac on Friday, December 20, 2024, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.