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Incident Overview
A devastating head-on collision in Woolsthorpe, Victoria, has claimed the life of one man and left two others fighting for their lives. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, January 11, 2025, on Warrnambool-Caramut Road and resulted in both vehicles catching fire.
Location and Time
The crash happened around 5:15 pm on Warrnambool-Caramut Road in Woolsthorpe, a town located north of Warrnambool in Victoria. The crash occurred on a rural highway, where speeds can be higher and visibility may be limited, especially in the evening.
Vehicles Involved
The crash involved two cars traveling in opposite directions. The makes and models of the vehicles were not specified in the report.
Crash Description
A northbound car and a southbound car collided head-on on Warrnambool-Caramut Road. The impact of the collision caused both vehicles to catch fire, increasing the severity of the incident and posing significant risks to those involved.
Injuries/Fatalities
The driver of the southbound car died at the scene. The driver of the northbound car and the passenger from the southbound car were pulled from their burning vehicles by passersby and sustained critical injuries. They were both transported to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and possibly fire crews, attended the scene. Passersby played a crucial role in rescuing the two critically injured individuals from their burning vehicles before emergency services arrived.
Investigation
Victoria Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the crash. Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit are attending the scene to conduct a thorough investigation.
Road Closure
Warrnambool-Caramut Road has been closed in both directions while investigations continue. This closure is likely causing disruption to traffic in the area.
Witnesses/Appeals
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. This information could be crucial in assisting the investigators in determining the cause of the collision and any contributing factors.
Community Impact
This tragic incident has saddened the local community and highlights the dangers of head-on collisions, particularly on rural highways. The crash also contributes to the rising road toll in Victoria, which has already seen ten fatalities this year.
Contributing Factors
The contributing factors to the crash are still under investigation. Potential factors that may be considered include speed, driver fatigue, distraction, visibility, road conditions, and the possibility of a medical episode or vehicle malfunction.