Teen Boy Fighting for Life After Hit-and-Run Crash on Western Ring Road, Melbourne – May 15, 2025

Incident Overview
A horrific collision occurred on the Western Ring Road in Melbourne , Victoria, just after 11:30 pm on Thursday, May 15, 2025 , leaving a 17-year-old boy critically injured .

The crash involved a Honda sedan and a Great Wall SUV at the stretch between Ballarat Road and Furlong Road . The Honda crossed several lanes before striking the SUV, resulting in severe injuries to the teenage passenger.

Despite the severity of his condition, the teen was left trapped and alone at the scene , as both the driver and another passenger fled the area on foot . Police later arrested the two men — both aged 20 — and took them to hospital under police guard .

Detective Sergeant Mark Amos strongly condemned the actions of the two men who abandoned their friend:

“(They) jumped out of the car instead of sticking around to look after their mate… It buggers me how they think like that — you don’t leave your mates behind.”
— Detective Sergeant Mark Amos

The incident is part of a deadly road safety crisis in Victoria , with 13 lives lost in just seven days , including this crash.

Location and Time

• Crash Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 (approximately 11:30 pm).
• Location: Western Ring Road, Melbourne, between Ballarat Road and Furlong Road.

Vehicles Involved

• A **Honda sedan**, carrying three male occupants — one 17-year-old seriously injured, and two 20-year-olds who fled the scene.
• A **Great Wall SUV**, which was struck by the Honda. Occupants were unharmed.

Injuries/Fatalities

• Critical Injuries:
  • The 17-year-old passenger in the Honda was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition and remains in critical care.
• No Injuries:
  • The driver and passenger of the Great Wall SUV were not physically hurt in the crash.

Emergency Response

• Paramedics arrived quickly and treated the severely injured teenager before transporting him to hospital.
• All Greensborough-bound lanes of the Western Ring Road were temporarily closed but have since reopened.

“All Greensborough-bound lanes of the freeway between Ballarat Rd and Furlong Rd were closed however have since reopened.”
— Victoria Police update

Traffic Impact

• Road Closures: All Greensborough-bound lanes were closed for emergency response and recovery operations.
• Delays: Heavy congestion continued into Friday morning, with delays of up to **30 minutes** reported on the M80 Ring Road, Western Freeway, Ballarat Road, McIntyre Road, Furlong Road, and St Albans Road.

Police Investigation
Victoria Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and the hit-and-run actions of the Honda’s driver and front-seat passenger :

• Why the Honda crossed multiple lanes before impact.
• Road conditions, visibility, and potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or impairment.
• Dashcam footage of the Western Ring Road around 11:30 pm on May 15, 2025.

Authorities are also reviewing whether the Honda had been stolen or if other offenses were committed during the incident.

“It will take some time for delays to ease.”
— VicRoads statement

Community Impact
This incident has sparked outrage and concern over reckless driving among young people and the moral failure of fleeing a crash site rather than helping an injured friend.

The crash contributes to a tragic week on Victorian roads, prompting renewed calls from police and road safety officials for drivers to slow down, stay focused, and avoid dangerous behavior that can lead to fatal consequences.

Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the Western Ring Road near Ballarat Road and Furlong Road is urged to contact authorities:

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