August 24, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
Two drivers were killed in a head-on collision on Diggers Rest–Coimadai Road at Toolern Vale, north-west of Melbourne, on Sunday morning, August 24, 2025. Police allege the crash involved a stolen Holden Cruze, which had been taken from Werribee South the previous evening. Officers who had intercepted a separate vehicle observed the Holden Cruze speeding moments before the crash. The stolen vehicle collided head-on with another car at approximately 9:50 am, killing both drivers. A passenger in the Holden Cruze sustained minor injuries and was transported to hospital.

“The Holden Cruise then collided head-on with another car travelling in the opposite direction about 9:50am, killing both drivers.” — Victoria Police

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025 (approximately 9:50 am)
  • Location: Diggers Rest–Coimadai Road, Toolern Vale, north-west of Melbourne, Victoria

Vehicles Involved

  • Holden Cruze (allegedly stolen from Werribee South, carrying driver and passenger)
  • Second car (driver killed, make and model not specified)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • Driver of Holden Cruze (not yet formally identified), deceased at the scene.
    • Driver of second vehicle (not yet formally identified), deceased at the scene.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • No serious injuries reported beyond fatalities.
  • No Injuries:
    • Passenger in the Holden Cruze sustained only minor injuries and was transported to hospital.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services responded to the head-on collision at 9:50 am.
  • Both drivers were declared deceased at the scene.
  • A passenger in the Holden Cruze was treated for minor injuries and hospitalised.

“Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the fatal incident.” — Victoria Police

Police Investigation
Victoria Police are examining:

  • The events leading up to the collision after officers observed the Holden Cruze speeding.
  • The vehicle’s theft from Werribee South on Saturday evening after 4:30 pm.
  • The conduct of police prior to the crash, with oversight by Professional Standards Command due to prior contact with the vehicle.
  • Any dashcam or CCTV footage from motorists travelling along Diggers Rest–Coimadai Road at the time.

Community Impact
The crash has caused shock in the Toolern Vale community and reignited concerns about the dangers of stolen vehicles on Victorian roads. The deaths of both drivers in a violent head-on collision have highlighted road safety risks linked to high-speed pursuits and stolen cars. Local residents expressed concern over safety on rural arterial roads where heavy vehicle and commuter traffic regularly meet.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers VIC: Call 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at [www.crimestoppersvic.com.au](https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au)
  • Witness Reporting: Contact Victoria Police directly or through a local police station.