May 29, 2025

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Incident Overview
A deadly multi-vehicle crash occurred on the Western Highway , near the intersection of Thomas Road at Armstrong , north of Ararat, Victoria , on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 , at approximately 12:30 pm , claiming the lives of three people .

The crash involved five vehicles : two cars and three trucks , including a semi-trailer and two smaller commercial vehicles. The deceased victims are:

  • A **49-year-old male car driver from Lyndhurst, Victoria**.
  • A **24-year-old female passenger from Clyde North, Victoria**.
  • A **65-year-old male truck driver from South Australia**.

Two other drivers — a 63-year-old man from Horsham (truck driver) and an 83-year-old woman from Geelong — were taken to hospital with minor injuries . A 52-year-old Corio man , driving a small truck, was also assessed as a precaution but sustained no serious injuries.

Emergency services described the scene as “absolute carnage.” Police have warned that the Western Highway remains closed until at least midday Thursday for investigation and clean-up operations.

“Three people died in the collision on the Western Highway north of Ararat.”
— 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

  • A **car carrying a 49-year-old man and 24-year-old woman**, both fatally injured.
  • A **semi-trailer**, driven by a **65-year-old South Australian man**, who also died at the scene.
  • A second **semi-trailer**, driven by a **63-year-old Horsham man**, who survived with minor injuries.
  • A third vehicle, an **83-year-old woman’s car**, which was struck during the incident.
  • A **smaller truck**, driven by a **52-year-old man from Corio**, assessed at hospital as a precaution.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • The 49-year-old Victorian male driver.
    • The 24-year-old Victorian female passenger.
    • The 65-year-old South Australian male truck driver.
  • Minor Injuries:
    • The 63-year-old truck driver from Horsham.
    • The 83-year-old female car driver from Geelong.
  • Non-Injury:
    • The 52-year-old Corio truck driver, who was examined at hospital and released.

Emergency Response

  • Police, paramedics, and fire crews responded immediately to reports of a major crash involving multiple vehicles.
  • All three deceased victims were confirmed at the scene, while the other drivers were transported for medical evaluation.

“The highway remains closed as police investigate the cause of the crash.”
— Victoria Police update

Traffic Impact

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

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

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

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham described the crash site as “absolute carnage.” Witnesses are encouraged to come forward.

Community Impact
This tragic event has deeply affected families across Victoria and South Australia , particularly given the loss of life and the involvement of multiple heavy vehicles.

Local resident and youth worker Danielle Watts , who frequently travels the stretch of road, described the route as a “death trap” , citing concerns about wildlife crossings, narrow lanes, and high-speed traffic. She urged authorities to consider long-term infrastructure improvements, including extra lanes or better separation between opposing traffic flows.

Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the Western Highway near Thomas Road, Armstrong , 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 local station or through the official website.