A teenager has died and two others remain in critical condition following a major crash in Melbourne’s north-west on Friday morning.
Police said an 18-year-old probationary driver was behind the wheel of a ute when it lost control on a downhill section of Mickleham Road in Attwood at about 7am. The vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and was struck by two cars.
An 18-year-old man from Tullamarine, who was travelling in the rear seat of the ute, was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
The driver and a 17-year-old front-seat passenger suffered life-threatening injuries and were rushed to hospital in critical condition.
The drivers of the other vehicles involved — a man in his 50s and another in his 20s — sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for observation.
Detective Sergeant Lee Barton urged motorists to take extra care in wet and cold conditions, noting that all five people involved in the collision were affected by the crash.
Earlier that morning, another fatal accident occurred in West Gippsland. A fuel tanker driver lost his life after the truck reportedly lost traction on a downhill stretch of the Princes Freeway in Darnum, struck a guard rail and crashed into trees.
The two deaths have pushed Victoria’s road toll to 119 for the year.