By Mikayla van Loon
A P-plate driver has been arrested after a two car collision in Chirnside Park on Friday 8 September, with one of the vehicles believed to have been stolen.
“The driver of the [blue Volkswagen golf], an 18-year-old McMahons Creek man, ran from the scene but was arrested a short time later and is assisting police with their enquiries,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“Officers believe the Volkswagen was stolen during a burglary in Box Hill on 7 September.”
The second vehicle was a purple Ford Fiesta.
The drivers involved had a lucky escape with the force of impact causing the engine to dislodge from one of the cars.
“A 49-year-old Mooroolbark man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” police confirmed.
Ambulance Victoria said they were called around 5.15am and transported a patient to Maroondah Hospital “in a stable condition with a lower body injury”.
Chirnside Park and Mooroolbark CFA crews attended to offer assistance because the crash “resulted in an oil spill on the road”.
“The incident was under control by 5.30am. The scene was declared safe by 6.05am and handed to police,” a CFA spokesperson said.
Lilydale SES unit controller Shaun Caulfield said despite members being called to the collision, they weren’t required to help extricate any of the drivers.
“They were very lucky. It was a substantial collision because it took an engine out of one of the vehicles,” he said.
“It hit at a 90 degree angle and that’s why the engine has come out but we’ve seen lots of crashes where engines haven’t been removed from the car.”
Mr Caulfield said this recent collision is a reminder to drivers to stick to the road rules and drive responsibly.
While some people have taken to social media to blame the intersection, Mr Caulfield said it ultimately comes down to driver safety and caution, particularly when approaching intersections.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation by police but Mr Caulfield said “the amount of damage to the vehicles would suggest that police investigate speed as a factor”.
Anyone with any information, CCTV/dashcam vision or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
