By Derek Schlennstedt
Lucky escape
A man was lucky to escape being crushed by a falling gum tree when he was driving on Sunday morning along Maroondah Highway, Fernshaw .
Police told the Mail that at 10.40am on 2 June, a large tree fell onto the man’s vehicle on the Maroondah Highway.
He then crashed through thick bush and down a steep embankment.
The 38-year-old was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital with suspected back injuries.
Wandin Fire Brigade along with the Monbulk Fire and Rescue CFA crew and Healesville SES unit performed a rope and vehicle extrication to remove the man from the car, which was about 25 metres down the embankment.
The Black Spur was closed for four hours while heavy haulage worked to remove the vehicle.
Healesville Police Sergeant Tim Stewart said the driver was lucky to escape without serious injury.
“A tree fell down on the side of the road, onto the bonnet of the car and as a result the car has run off the edge, down the embankment 20 metres or so,” he said.
“Unfortunately it was just a freak accident.”
Snow warning
There’s snow on Mount Donna Buang and snow seekers are on stand-by to grab the toboggans and head up the mountain.
Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol is reminding visitors to be prepared if venturing into snow territory.
Sergeant Dave McIlfatric said people should check the weather forecast on the Parks Victoria website for road closures and recommended carrying wheel chains for the drive up to the summit.
“We have seen some decent snowfalls in the upper hills of the Yarra Ranges and are expected to see some more this week,” he said.
“We would advise that when heading to any snowfield to make sure you are properly equipped – that means carrying snow chains and, of course, driving to the conditions.
“Being prepared will help make sure that you, your family and friends all have a safe and enjoyable day.”
For more information about Mount Donna Buang call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 or for road closure information visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/MountDonnaBuang.
Up-to-date snow reports are available on the WaterWheel Facebook page and on www.visitwarburton.com.au.
Operation Regal
Victorian drivers are being urged to slow down and adapt to changing conditions, with the onset of winter and the approaching long weekend increasing risk levels on the state’s roads.
It comes admid a road toll crisis in the state, with 140 people having already lost their lives on Victorian roads this year, compared with 88 at the same time last year.
Last year, 45 people died during winter, compared with 61 in 2017.
The plea comes ahead of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, with many Victorians expected to head to the mountains to kick off the snow season.
People traveling in and around the alpine region, or making the journey home, should plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get to their destination safely.
