SPEED was determined as a likely factor contributing to the death of a 19-year-old Wangaratta man following a crash in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Sergeant Shaun Hillier of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said around 12:30am, Tuesday police received numerous calls from neighbouring properties as a sedan travelling north on Warby Range Road made a “significant sound” crashing into nearby paddocks and trees on the straight, narrow South Wangaratta road.
The sole occupant of the vehicle, a 19-year-old Wangaratta man, died at the scene.
“At this stage speed was a contributing factor,” Sgt Hillier said.
Officers continued to investigate the horrific scene throughout Tuesday morning, with the significantly damaged sedan situated in front of nearby homes and its engine in the adjacent paddock.
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Vehicle wreckage and fallen tree branches were spread across the road, as it was closed to the public for the morning.
Sgt Hillier said the loss of the young local driver would have a profound impact on the community.
“It’s a tragedy, particular in these small towns where everyone knows everyone,” he said.
“I’d like to extend my condolences to the family and we’ll continue to investigate the circumstances around the collision.”
The incident comes as police looked to crack down on speed with a statewide speeding operation on Monday to commence National Road Safety Week.
There have been nine lives lost on Victorian roads since the road safety week began on Sunday, including four on regional roads
There was also a fatal collision on a Western Victorian regional road on Saturday afternoon.
Sgt Hillier said the tragic South Wangaratta incident was an unfortunate reminder to change our driving behaviour and reduce our speed, especially on rural roads.
“I’d like to reinforce to our community that speed is a contributing factor to our collisions and unfortunately it does contribute to road trauma significantly in these areas,” he said.
Sgt Hillier said anyone with information in relation to the crash was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
So far this year 112 lives have been lost on Victorian roads, 10 more than this time last year.
