Teen Dies, Others Injured in Hoppers Crossing Carjacking Attempt and Multi-Vehicle Crash
A multi-vehicle collision in Melbourne's south-west has resulted in the death of a 15-year-old male and injuries to several other individuals. The incident, which occurred early Friday morning in Hoppers Crossing, involved an allegedly stolen Skoda sedan pursuing a Toyota sedan in what authorities describe as an apparent carjacking attempt. A 17-year-old male has since been charged with culpable driving causing death and other offenses in connection with the crash.
Deadly Pursuit Unfolds
Emergency services responded to the collision on Derrimut Road in Hoppers Crossing after midnight on Friday. Victoria Police reported that a grey Skoda sedan was pursuing a Toyota sedan. According to police, the Skoda's occupants had approached the Toyota's occupants at a shopping center. The Toyota's occupants were subsequently advised by emergency services to proceed to the nearest police station in Werribee.
The Skoda then pursued the Toyota at speeds reportedly up to 180 km/h through suburban streets.
Multi-Vehicle Crash Sequence
The Skoda initially collided with the rear of the Toyota. Sources 4 and 5 allege the driver of the Skoda intentionally collided with the Toyota. Following this, the Skoda reportedly struck two additional vehicles, a Ford sedan and a Ford Ranger, before rolling multiple times and crashing on Derrimut Road.
The Skoda involved in the incident had been reported stolen from an address in Maidstone between March 11 and 12.
Casualties and Injuries
A 15-year-old male, who was an occupant of the Skoda, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.
Three other teenagers from the Skoda sustained injuries:
- A 17-year-old male was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and admitted under police guard.
- A 16-year-old girl was hospitalized with serious lower-body injuries, including two broken legs, and is currently under police guard.
- Another 16-year-old girl was treated at the scene for lower-body injuries and taken to Werribee Mercy Hospital in stable condition. She was later discharged and is expected to be interviewed by police, with Source 4 stating she was arrested at the scene and released pending further inquiries.
- A 14-year-old male later presented at a hospital with his family and was taken into police custody. Source 5 reports he was remanded on matters unrelated to the crash.
The occupants of the Toyota escaped uninjured. Source 1 reported minor injuries for the occupants of the Ford vehicles, while Sources 2 and 3 stated the occupants of the other vehicles involved sustained no injuries.
Arrests and Charges
Police believe between five and seven individuals were inside the Skoda at the time of the crash. Sources 4 and 5 indicate that four people reportedly fled the scene, and authorities are continuing their search for two additional passengers believed to have departed after the crash.
On Saturday, a 17-year-old male was arrested by Critical Incident Response Team detectives. He has been charged with culpable driving causing death and additional driving offenses. The teenager is currently remanded and is scheduled to appear in a children's court.
Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities discovered an edged weapon, described by one source as a sword, at the crash site near the vehicle. A quantity of alcohol was also found inside the Skoda.
Derrimut Road between Hogans and Heaths roads was closed to traffic following the incident. Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy of the Major Collision Investigation Unit is overseeing the investigation.
Authorities have urged anyone with information, dashcam, or CCTV footage related to the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.