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‘Really significant speed’ in horror crash

Bochara crash
A close-knit community in Victoria‘s south-west is grieving after a car crash claimed the lives of four local teenagers on Saturday morning. Picture: Nine News

Victorian police say a horrific crash in a small town that killed four people and left one young woman fighting for her life was “completely avoidable”.

Early investigations suggest the car was travelling at “really significant speed” when the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree on Saturday morning in Bochara, 312 kilometres west of Melbourne.

The collision killed two women – one in her 30s and the other school-aged, and two male occupants – both 17.

A fifth person – a 17 year old teenage girl – was flown to The Alfred hospital and remains in a
“life-threatening condition” after sustaining upper body injuries.

Bochara Fatal
Police were seen removing the crashed car on Sunday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Crosling
Bochara Fatal
Police have described the scene as ‘pretty horrific’. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Crosling
Bochara Fatal
The car was severely damaged. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Crosling

Addressing the media on Sunday afternoon, Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir said the car was seen leaving a local waterfall park about 1am on Saturday morning.

The wreckage was found by a passer-by at Wannon-Nigretta Road around 9am.

“This was a really traumatic, destructive scene,” he said.

“It is a really narrow, rural road that the vehicle has obviously been travelling (down) at exceptionally high speed and has come off the road and impacted a tree.

“We’re still raising through a range of complexities and identification.”

He said investigations were ongoing as to whether the occupants were wearing seatbelts, and police still hadn’t determined who was sitting where, or who the driver was.

“We’re hoping the 17-year-old pulls through … and we’re hoping to unpack it all with her in due course,” he said.

Earlier, Victoria Police’s Sergeant Ryan Nelson described the scene as “pretty horrific”.

“We believe they’re local. The scene is still pretty horrific at the moment and we’re still making those inquiries,” he told Nine.

“Hamilton is a very close-knit community. There’s five people involved in this and all their families and all their friends. It’s going to hit the town really hard.”

Bochara crash
Two male and two female occupants died at the scene. Picture: Nine News

The deceased passengers have yet to be formally identified and police are still contacting the next-of-kin.

According to the 2021 census, 10,346 people live in the township of Hamilton, with Bochara home to 84 residents.

Detectives from Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit remained at the scene into the early hours of Sunday morning.

Bochara crash
Police have cordoned off the road as they continue investigations. Picture: Nine News

A statement from the Southern Grampians Shire Council urged locals to seek support.

“The Mayor, Councillors and staff join with the entire community tonight in expressing our deepest condolences to the families of those lost today at Bochara,” it read.

“We are deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy and cannot comprehend the grief and the pain the families and friends must be feeling tonight.

“Trust that the people of Hamilton share in your immense sadness and grief and we will rally around to support you.

“Over the coming days and weeks, we encourage anyone who needs to seek support, please do so.”

A number of fatal crashes this weekend have brought Victoria’s road toll to 130 – compared to 96 at the same time last year.

Assistant Commissioner Weir warned that toll could rise further with a number of people in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

“It makes your blood boil … these were so avoidable,” he said.

“When you see the family of a victim, listen to what they say – it’s heartfelt. You don’t want that to be you.

“There has been a catastrophe (every day) since Friday. It has to stop. We need people to take responsibility for their actions.”

As of Sunday morning, the area has still been cordoned off by police, while investigations are ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.