Shocking Multi-Vehicle Collision in Preston, Melbourne Captured on CCTV – Driver Fights for Life – March 19, 2025

Incident Overview
A shocking multi-vehicle collision in Preston , Melbourne’s north, has left four people injured, including one man fighting for his life. The incident occurred on Gilbert Road near the Regent Street intersection at approximately 11:30 pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 , when an allegedly stolen Kia caused a chain reaction crash while speeding uncontrollably.

CCTV footage captured the out-of-control Kia smashing into a white hatchback, pushing it into a brick fence and power pole. The Kia then flipped onto its side, slid down the road with sparks flying, and collided with a black car stopped at traffic lights before veering off the road and rolling into a nearby park.

The driver of the Kia, a 25-year-old man, was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in critical condition. Two 23-year-old women in the white hatchback and a 27-year-old driver of another vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated at the hospital before being discharged.

Police are investigating the crash, which involved multiple vehicles and significant property damage. Authorities have urged witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward to assist with their inquiries.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on Gilbert Road , near the Regent Street intersection , in Preston , Melbourne’s north, at approximately 11:30 pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 . The nighttime conditions and high-speed nature of the collision contributed to the severity of the incident.

Vehicles Involved

• A **Kia**, allegedly stolen and driven by the 25-year-old male suspect.
• A **white hatchback**, carrying two 23-year-old women.
• A **black car**, stopped at the Regent Street intersection.

The Kia sustained extensive damage after flipping onto its side and rolling into a nearby park. The white hatchback crashed into a fence and power pole, while the black car was spun around after being struck at the intersection.

Crash Description
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a multi-vehicle collision involving an out-of-control Kia. CCTV footage shows the Kia speeding down Gilbert Road before slamming into a white hatchback, pushing it into a brick fence and power pole.

The Kia continued speeding, flipping onto its side and sliding down the road with sparks flying. It then collided with a black car stopped at traffic lights at the Regent Street intersection, causing it to spin. The Kia eventually veered off the road and rolled into a nearby park.

Upon arrival, emergency responders found the 25-year-old male driver of the Kia critically injured and extricated him from the wreckage. Two 23-year-old women in the white hatchback and a 27-year-old driver of another vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene before being transported to the hospital.

Injuries/Fatalities

• The 25-year-old male driver of the Kia is in critical condition at Royal Melbourne Hospital.
• Two 23-year-old women in the white hatchback sustained minor injuries and have been discharged from the hospital.
• A 27-year-old driver of another vehicle sustained minor injuries and has been discharged from the hospital.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics, police, and firefighters, responded swiftly to the crash site after it was reported. Paramedics worked to stabilize the injured individuals before transporting them to hospitals for further treatment. Firefighters assisted in extricating the critically injured Kia driver from the wreckage.

Police secured the area and coordinated traffic management while conducting an initial investigation. A crime scene was established to document evidence, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris scattered across the road and park. Investigators are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist with their inquiries.

Community Impact
The crash has left the local community deeply shaken, particularly given the extensive damage caused by the out-of-control Kia. Witnesses described hearing a “super loud” bang, likened to a bomb going off, as the Kia smashed into multiple vehicles and property.

One witness recounted seeing the occupants of the white hatchback trapped inside their car, forcing them to escape through the window. The incident highlights the dangers posed by reckless driving, particularly when involving stolen vehicles.

Authorities are urging the public to assist with their investigation by providing any relevant information or dashcam footage that could help piece together the events leading up to the crash.

Investigation
Victoria Police are conducting a detailed investigation into the crash, focusing on several key areas:

• The actions of the Kia driver leading up to the collision, including speed and adherence to road rules.
• Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the crash.
• Potential factors such as distraction, fatigue, or mechanical issues with the vehicles involved.

Investigators confirmed that the Kia had been reported stolen on Sunday from the Northland Shopping Centre carpark . Additionally, the driver had previously pleaded guilty to driving offenses, raising concerns about his history of reckless behavior.

Police are reviewing whether alcohol or drug impairment played a role in the crash. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via their hotline at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au .

Legal Proceedings
The 25-year-old male driver of the Kia remains in critical condition at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Once stable, he is expected to face charges related to the crash, including reckless driving, theft of a motor vehicle, and potentially endangering lives.