POLICE are investigating the cause of a tragic crash at Steels Creek on the weekend, which resulted in the deaths of a man and a child.
Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol said a truck and a four-wheel-drive collided at the intersection of Healesville-Kinglake Road and Steels Creek Road, near the Melba Highway around 9am on Saturday.
The driver, a 52-year-old man from Launching Place, was thrown from the car, while a 12-year-old girl was trapped inside.
Paramedics arrived by helicopter to treat the accident victims, but the pair died at the scene.
Two other passengers – an eight-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl – were both uninjured, but were taken to Maroondah Hospital for observation.
Police believe the truck may have crossed onto the wrong side of the road at the time of the crash.
A 45-year-old man is assisting detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit with their inquiries.
Detective Sergeant Chris Carnie said the incident was particularly distressing for emergency crews.
“Any time you have a collision such as this, where children are involved, it is especially difficult,” he said.
“We will investigate a range of potential factors and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or either of the vehicles in the lead up to it.”
Police believe the deceased man was the father of the two uninjured children, but said that the girl that died was not related.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
Skater crackdown
SKATERS have been given a firm warning by the Healesville Police, after reports of vandalism and poor behaviour have surfaced at Healesville’s new Skate Park.
Healesville Police Sergeant Stewart Thomson said that police have been having issues with some skate park users, in terms of bad behaviour, noise, mess and graffiti.
He warned those doing the wrong thing that police would be cracking down on any offences.
“You’ve been given a great facility, and have been given a free-run on that,” he said.
“But, if you continue to behave this way, it’s going to be enforced, monitored, potentially fenced and locked.”
