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Topic:Road Accidents and Incidents
Four people were killed when a mini-van hit a tree near Cobram in Victoria's north. (ABC News)
Police say four people killed and five injured in a mini-van crash near Cobram in Victoria's north may have been farm workers from the area.
A white Toyota HiAce mini-van struck a tree on Chapel Road in Muckatah, about 10 kilometres south of Cobram, at 5pm yesterday.
The crash happened on a narrow road in a farming area near Cobram. (ABC News)
The nine passengers were all from overseas, but were working and living in the Greater Shepparton area.
Four passengers in the van, a 17-year-old boy, a 34-year-old man, a 51-year-old woman and a 45-year-old woman, died at the scene.
An 18-year-old woman, three 16-year-old girls and a 39-year-old man were taken to various hospitals and remain in a serious condition.
The 39-year-old man, believed to be the driver of the van, remains under police guard.
Superintendent Ashley Mason says the "senseless loss of life" will devastate families in the lead-up to Christmas. (ABC News)
Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said the crash was especially heartbreaking so close to the holiday period.
Acting Superintendent Mason said some of the injured suffered multiple, critical injuries.
"The … relationship between the occupants of the vehicle is also unknown to us and will be part of our investigation," he said.
Last year, two migrant farm workers were killed and nine people were injured in a similar mini-bus crash at Carwarp, near Mildura in the state's north west.
In November 2023, four farm workers from the Pacific Islands were killed in a crash south of Mansfield.
Phillip Barnes, 67, who has lived on Chapel Road all his life, said some locals avoided the narrow bitumen road because of the amount of traffic that used it.
"During the summer, a lot of campers, caravans and fruit pickers go up and down the road," he said.
"I think the GPS brings them along."
Mr Barnes said trucks also used the road, which has a 100 kilometres per hour speed limit.
"We've had one neighbour reckon he's going to get a petition going to get a metre of bitumen on either side, so you don't have to move into the gravel when a car passes you," he said.
"You have to move into gravel when a car approaches you and when the stones start spraying and the dust, it can be hairy."
Graeme Emonson says the fatal crash has devastated the Cobram and Katamatite communities. (ABC News: By Ashlee Aldridge)
Moira Shire Council chair administrator Graeme Emonson said some rural roads presented heightened risk.
"We all know that our local roads have particular characteristics that lend themselves to be a high-risk environment, and we all need to take extreme and special care, particularly at this time of year," he said.
In a statement, Governor-General Sam Mostyn said she had spoken with Dr Emonson and expressed her sorrow at the loss of life.
"It is a terribly challenging and sad time for the region," she said.
"As is often the case in regional towns, the first responders and others involved in the response may know those affected.
"I also know from Graeme that this is a strong, caring and diverse community and that you will support one another in the days ahead.
"At this time, when Australians are also focused on the appalling events that took place on Bondi Beach, I want you to know that I am also thinking of you and your community in your grief. Take good care of yourselves and each other at this difficult time."
The Victoria Police Major Collision Investigation Unit is investigating the crash.
Meanwhile, police are investigating a fatal crash at Warrayure, west of Hamilton this morning.
A loaded livestock truck and a car collided near the intersection of Glenelg Highway and North Mibus Road about 8:15am.
The truck rolled on its side and both vehicles caught on fire.
The driver of the car, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.
The truck driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
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