November 14, 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
A family of three killed in a fatal collision at Stoneleigh in Victoria’s west has been formally identified as Sapana Neupane, Krishna Hari Bhandari and their three-year-old son, Ruben. The crash occurred on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, when the family’s vehicle drove through a stop sign and collided with a B-double truck. A five-year-old daughter and the children’s grandmother survived the crash. Police had previously described the injuries as “catastrophic.”

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Tuesday, 11 November 2025
  • Location: Intersection near Stoneleigh, Ballarat region, VIC

Vehicles Involved

  • Family car — entered intersection and collided with truck
  • B-double truck — heavy vehicle involved in the collision

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • Sapana Neupane — deceased.
    • Krishna Hari Bhandari — deceased.
    • Ruben, 3 — deceased.
  • Other Injuries:
    • Five-year-old daughter — survived (injuries not specified).
    • Grandmother — survived.
    • Truck driver — no injuries reported in source.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended the crash site, but three occupants of the family car could not be saved.
  • The vehicle was described as severely damaged due to the impact with the B-double truck.

“One life lost is one too many on rural roads.” — Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy

Police Investigation
Police Investigations confirmed the family’s vehicle failed to stop at the intersection before colliding with the truck.

  • Detectives examined the crash site and assessed the damage to the vehicle.
  • Earlier statements noted the severity of the impact and the catastrophic injuries suffered by the victims.

Community Impact
The deaths have deeply affected the Ballarat and Stoneleigh communities, leaving behind grieving relatives, including the family’s surviving young daughter. The crash renews long-standing concerns about safety on rural intersections.

Appeal for Information
Police previously appealed for information and continue to encourage anyone with relevant details about the incident to assist.

  • Crime Stoppers VIC: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.