By Mikayla van Loon
Emergency service crews were called to a high angle rescue on the Black Spur in Fernshaw early Tuesday evening after a car drove off the embankment, hitting a tree.
Just after 6pm, VicEmergency reported having 15 vehicles responding to the crash, including SES, CFA, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.
SES units from Healesville and Marysville were dispatched, alongside technical rescue teams from Monbulk CFA and Wandin Fire Brigade.
The four passengers from Meadow Heights, including two children, were able to exit the vehicle safely but required transport to hospital for minor injuries.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed two preschool aged girls and a woman in her late 30’s were taken to Box Hill Hospital in a stable condition with minor upper body injuries. A man in his early 40’s was also taken to Maroondah Public Hospital in a stable condition with upper body injuries.
While investigations into the exact cause of the incident are ongoing, a Victoria Police spokesperson said “It’s understood a Kia wagon drove off an embankment and crashed into a tree on Maroondah Highway just after 6pm” on Tuesday 3 January.
“The incident was declared under control at 18:06, with crews remaining on scene to maintain safety of the area,” a CFA spokesperson said.
Due to the location of the crash, holiday traffic was banked up for over an hour as commuters waited for the scene to be made safe.
“Very heavy traffic from holiday crowds and local commuters made for a busy scene; at one stage, traffic extended from Dom Dom Picnic Ground to Fernshaw Reserve, with up to 100 additional vehicles parked up in car parks to ease congestion,” Marysville SES posted to social media.
Once the patients were transported to hospital, a single lane was able to reopen until a tow truck arrived to remove the car from embankment.
“The scene was finally cleared around 8.30pm. Thanks to all drivers who waited patiently in the long queue, and who followed our requests to move at low speeds while we worked,” Marysville SES said.
“The roads will continue to be extremely busy for coming weeks; please slow down, leave a safe distance, and be patient with other road users. Importantly, ensure you remain focused on the road ahead and stay alert to your surroundings.”
Anyone with information, dash cam vision or anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
