Tooradin Crash: Police Seek Help Identifying Man Killed in Rollover on South Gippsland Highway

What happened

Incident Overview

On Sunday, 7 July 2024, a single-vehicle rollover on the South Gippsland Highway near Tooradin, south of Melbourne, claimed the life of one man and seriously injured two others. A Jeep Wrangler lost control at the Baxter Tooradin Road roundabout at approximately 8:30 pm, rolling over and ejecting one of the three occupants.

Victoria Police attended the scene and declared the incident a major crash. The deceased man, estimated to be in his 30s or 40s, remains unidentified, and police are appealing to the public for assistance in establishing his identity using distinctive identifying features.

Location and Time

The collision occurred on the South Gippsland Highway at the Baxter Tooradin Road roundabout in Tooradin, south of Melbourne, at approximately 8:30 pm on Sunday evening, 7 July 2024.

Vehicles Involved

Vehicle 1

• Make/Model: Jeep Wrangler
• Occupants: three men
• Incident: lost control at roundabout and rolled over

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• One male passenger, estimated 30s–40s, deceased at scene (unidentified; distinctive eagle tattoo noted)

Injuries

• Two male occupants sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized

Emergency Response

Victoria Police and emergency services attended the scene following the rollover. Two seriously injured occupants were transported to hospital for treatment. The scene was secured and investigated by Major Crash Investigators.

Investigation

Victoria Police Major Crash Investigators are leading the investigation into the rollover. Police are examining the possibility that the Jeep Wrangler was involved in another crash or altercation prior to the rollover, particularly in the Cranbourne area. Alcohol and excessive speed are suspected to have contributed to the fatal incident.

A key priority for investigators is identifying the deceased passenger. Police have released a description of a distinctive eagle tattoo on his body in hopes that members of the public may recognise him and come forward with information.

Appeal for Information

Victoria Police are appealing for anyone who may recognise the deceased man, particularly those who can identify him by the distinctive eagle tattoo, or who witnessed the rollover or any preceding incident in the Cranbourne or Tooradin area, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit information online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.