Vic: Stop the road carnage: police

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2006
Vic: Stop the road carnage: police

Eds: Add details of crash victims



By Xavier La Canna and Julie Tullberg

MELBOURNE, Dec 2 AAP - Four people have died in a horror day on and off Victoria's roads.

All four died in separate accidents, prompting a Victoria Police appeal to motorists
to slow down and take care.

The first death was in Essendon, in Melbourne's north, at about 8.45am (AEDT) today.

A 26-year-old motorcyclist died at the scene after hitting a westbound Toyota Camry
on Keilor Road.

Later, a three-car intersection crash left a man dead in Melbourne's south-east.

The vehicles collided at the corner of the South Gippsland Highway and Lesdon Avenue
at Cranbourne about 1pm (AEDT).

Police said a 56-year-old Cranbourne man died at the scene.

Two women also in the car, aged 55 and 31, were taken to The Alfred hospital.

Victoria Police's Major Collision Investigation Unit has called for witnesses to come forward.

About 4.15pm (AEDT), a motorcyclist died in Frankston, in Melbourne's south-east, after
his bike hit a concrete strip.

The 25-year-old Frankston man died outside the Frankston RSL before ambulance crews arrived.

Traffic was diverted at the Frankston Freeway's entrance at Cranbourne Road.

At about 4.40pm (AEDT), a 75-year-old pedestrian died in Nepean Street, Watsonia, after
being struck by a motorcyclist.

He died instantly.

The 21-year-old motorcyclist was taken to the Austin Hospital after sustaining injuries.

Both were from Watsonia.

In an off-road crash, a motorcyclist was found dead near Firmins Lane, near Morwell,
about 3.30pm (AEDT) today, Rural Ambulance Service spokesman John Mullen said.

It is believed his bike had hit a tree.

Police said the victim would not be counted in the road toll because it was an off-road accident.

Senior Constable Karla Dennis said motorists should slow down, take care and remember
to wear their seatbelts.

The deaths bring Victoria's road toll to 307, just four less than at the same time last year.

The Major Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses of today's Watsonia
road death to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.

AAP jat/cjh

KEYWORD: TOLL VIC 2ND NIGHTLEAD

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