Police and workers clean up the accident scene on the Melba Highway. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun
UPDATE: A DRIVER has died and three people have been injured after a semi-trailer jack-knifed into two vehicles in the Yarra Valley last night.
The semi-trailer was travelling south on the Melba Highway near Dixons Creek, 46km northeast of Melbourne, when it slammed into the two vehicles, one towing a horse float, about 8.20pm.
The sole occupant of a Mitsubishi van, a Dandenong woman aged in her 50s, died at the scene.
Emergency workers freed a 29-year-old female driver from Pakenham and her 21-year-old female passenger from Berwick who were in a Nissan Navara that was towing the horse float.
Emergency services at the scene of the fatality. Picture: Channel 9
The truck driver, a 41-year-old Swan Hill man was taken to The Alfred hospital in a serious condition.
One horse died at the scene, while emergency workers tried to free another horse trapped in the float.
A woman was killed in the crash. Picture: Channel 9
A short time later the horse was euthanised by a local ranger.
Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit remain at the scene.
The section of Melba Highway between Healesville-Kinglake Road and Old Healesville Road will be blocked until further notice.
Three people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. Picture: Channel 9
Police said road conditions might have been a factor in the crash.
“We’ve ruled out speed being involved," a police spokesman said.
"Alcohol has been ruled out also. The male driver of the truck has given a blood sample at the hospital. That will be analysed for drugs and we won’t know that for at least a month or so.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
The latest fatality brings Victoria's provisional road toll to 68, 12 lower than the same time last year.
The woman killed was driving a Mitsubishi van. Picture: Channel 9
