B-double and two semis burn after collision on Western Highway leaves two dead and one fighting for life
December 5, 2013
Victoria Police will prepare a Coroner’s report on a fiery crash that claimed the lives of two truck drivers and left a third in hospital with critical injuries.
Police are presently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision at Black Range, near Stawell.
Investigators believe a B-double truck travelling west on the Western Highway and a semi -trailer travelling east collided head on around 11.30pm last night.
A third semi-trailer has then ran into the rear of the semi travelling east, leaving the male driver with life threatening injuries.
All vehicles went up in flames and remained on fire until mid-morning.
Police have located two bodies at the scene which are yet to be identified.
Police says they are receiving a large number of calls from members of the public seeking information on those involved in the collision.
People concerned about the location of their family members who are truck drivers and were possibly in the area last night and who have not heard from them or have been unable to contact them, are asked to contact trucking companies or employers in the first instance.
Any trucking companies with queries should contact Ararat Police Station on 03 5355 1500.
The Western Highway will remain closed for most of the day as the investigation continues.
The ABC reports that one truck was carrying household products, including aerosol cans, and another was transporting cars.
It quotes Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Ken Erwin as saying the area was one where drivers tended to get drowsy and had long been recognised that “it needs to be addressed”.
