May 28, 2025

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Incident Overview
A horrific multi-vehicle collision occurred on the Western Highway near Armstrong , Victoria — north of Ararat — on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 , at approximately 12:30 pm , resulting in the deaths of three people .

The crash involved two cars , a B-double truck , and two smaller trucks . Emergency services confirmed that the driver of one car and two occupants of one of the trucks were pronounced deceased at the scene . The driver of the second car was taken to hospital as a precaution.

The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, with police appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to assist their investigation.

“The exact circumstances of the collision are yet to be determined and investigations are ongoing.”
— Victoria Police statement

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 (approximately 12:30 pm).
  • Location: Western Highway near Thomas Road, **Armstrong**, Victoria — approximately 20 km north of Ararat.

Vehicles Involved

  • Two **cars**, one of which had a driver who died at the scene.
  • A **B-double truck** and two **smaller trucks**, with two fatalities reported from one of the trucks.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • The driver of one car and two occupants of one of the trucks died at the site of the crash.
  • Non-Life-Threatening Injuries:
    • The driver of the second car was transported to hospital for assessment but was not seriously injured.

Emergency Response

  • Paramedics and police responded rapidly to reports of a major crash involving multiple vehicles.
  • All three deceased victims were identified at the scene, while the fourth person received non-critical care before being released from hospital.

“At this early stage, the exact circumstances of the collision are yet to be determined.”
— Victoria Police update

Traffic Impact

  • Road Closure: Western Highway remains closed in both directions between **Ararat** and **Great Western**.
  • Detour: Motorists are being diverted via **Moyston**, using **Ararat–Halls Gap Road** and **Moyston–Great Western Road**, adding more than **20 km** to travel routes.

Police Investigation
Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit is currently examining:

  • The sequence of events leading to the multi-vehicle crash.
  • Road conditions, visibility, and potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure.
  • Dashcam or CCTV footage from the **Western Highway near Thomas Road** around **12:30 pm on May 28, 2025**.

Authorities have urged members of the public to come forward if they witnessed the incident.

Community Impact
This tragic incident has deeply affected the local community in regional Victoria , particularly given the involvement of heavy vehicles and the loss of life on a major freight route. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-speed highways and the need for continued road safety awareness among all drivers.

Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the Western Highway near Thomas Road around 12:30 pm on May 28, 2025 , 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 your local station or through the official website.