By Callum Ludwig
A driver was lucky to escape a single-vehicle incident with minor injuries in Hoddles Creek on Monday 30 May.
At about 12.30pm, the driver lost control on Gembrook-Launching Place Rd and crashed into the ditch on the side of the road, with the car tilted and the driver’s side door lodged against the ground.
Second Lieutenant at Hoddles Creek Fire Brigade Brett Kerford said the driver was unable to exit the vehicle.
“He was what they call mechanically trapped, rather then physically trapped because the car was in the ditch and unable to open the driver’s door. Upper Yarra SES and Ambulance Victoria crews ended up getting him out through the passenger side door, which was a little bit of a problem in itself because of the gum trees after paramedics assessed him in regards to his injuries.,” he said.
“We as the CFA crews assessed to make sure there was no fire or anything like that before letting them help get him out.”
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed paramedics assessed the man at the scene and he was taken to Angliss Public Hospital for further observation.
5 CFA vehicles from Hoddles Creek and Hillcrest’s Fire Brigades attended alongside Ambulance Victoria and VICSES, as well as Victoria Police personnel. The situation was under control at 12.51pm and deemed safe at 1.20pm.
Lt Kerford said police at the scene didn’t believe speed was a factor even in the wet conditions and the vehicle was not a risk to traffic.
“Fortunately, where he’s come off on his side of the road, it wasn’t impacting traffic coming either way.It was probably a really good result because he could have quite easily started coming the other way, which would have had much bigger implications,” he said.
“All crews attending worked very well together and it was successful in regards to the gentleman not having any injuries, the cars probably not quite so healthy, but he likely only suffered bruises and small abrasions.”
