A single-vehicle, three-car collision in Attwood, Victoria, on Saturday morning has claimed the life of an 18-year-old passenger and left two other occupants in critical condition. The group was returning from a public viewing of the Socceroos' World Cup match.
Timeline and Circumstances
The crash occurred at approximately 7:00 AM on Saturday on Mickleham Road in Attwood, about 17 km north-west of Melbourne. Reports indicate the group had been watching the Socceroos' World Cup match against the United States at a live site in Federation Square.
Vehicle and Occupants
The accident involved a Mitsubishi Triton utility vehicle driven by an 18-year-old male P-plater. Police report the Triton crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with two oncoming vehicles.
"He was a kind, genuine person," family and friends said of the victims.
The individuals involved include:
- Cesare Liberatore, 18, a passenger in the Triton, who died at the hospital surrounded by family. He was a year 12 student at Gladstone Park Secondary College and had previously attended St Bernard's College.
- The driver, identified in reports as Julian, 18, who remains in critical condition. He attended Gladstone Park Secondary College before starting an apprenticeship.
- Oscar Lococo, 17, a passenger in the Triton and a year 12 student at St Bernard's College, who remains in critical condition.
- Drivers of the other vehicles: A man in his 20s and a man in his 50s, who were both hospitalized for observation with minor injuries.
Investigations and Responses
Police are investigating the cause of the crash, and no charges have been reported at this time.
St Bernard's College principal Michael Davies offered condolences to the families. A fundraising page has been established for the driver and the critically injured passenger, describing them as "kind, genuine people."
Family members of the deceased, including his grandmother Mary Liberatore and mother Simonetta, provided statements to media regarding his character.