By Callum Ludwig
Two cars were involved in an accident near the service station in Launching Place at 5.46pm Monday 16 May.
Victoria Police said a Ford Falcon and Suzuki SX4 collided on the Warburton Highway, causing the Ford to crash into an unoccupied house at about 5.45pm.
“The Ford driver, an 81-year-old Launching Place woman, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has been issued a penalty notice for failing to give way,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“The Suzuki driver, a 24-year-old Narre Warren North woman, was not injured.”
CFA crews were also notified of the reports of the vehicle having crashed into a structure, and were informed there were possible persons trapped.
Four CFA trucks responded from Hillcrest Fire Brigade, Yarra Junction Fire Brigade and Wandin Fire Brigade, along with Upper Yarra SES personnel.
Upon arrival, it was determined there were nil persons were trapped and the incident was declared under control at 5.59pm.
Fifth Lieutenant at Hillcrest CFA Rochelle Poulson said the brigade worked fast to check if anyone was trapped before making sure nothing further was to happen.
“Once we isolated the power and the gas we were able to make the decision the house was not going to collapse so the tow truck removed the car,” she said.
“We couldn’t disconnect the battery of the car at first with the bonnet being lodged in the wall, but once the car was out we could disconnect the battery and it was all safe from there.”
Ambulance Victoria said that the 81-year-old woman was taken to Maroondah Public Hospital in a stable condition for observation with no obvious injuries.
Victoria Police stayed on site until the building was able to be assessed for damage.
