By Tyler Wright
A teenager was killed and two other boys hospitalised after a car crash in Chirnside Park on Saturday 1 April.
Emergency services were called to reports a car had crashed into three parked vehicles on Edward Road about 2.05am.
The car then set on fire.
Police and witnesses pulled the male driver and two male passengers from the vehicle.
Paramedics worked on the rear passenger, a 16-year-old Montrose boy, but he died at the scene.
The driver, a 16-year-old Chirnside Park boy was taken to hospital where he remains with serious injuries.
His front seat passenger, a 16-year-old Mooroolbark boy was taken to hospital where he remains with serious injuries.
Lilydale SES unit controller Shaun Caulfied said young licensed drivers were over-represented in crash statistics.
“Unfortunately, what we had in this situation is not just inexperienced drivers, but an unlicensed driver,“ Mr Caulfield said.
“I’ve personally been to a few crashes over the years involving kids who’ve taken their parents’ cars without permission, without their parents’ knowledge, and come to quite tragic consequences.
“It’s devastating for their families, it’s devastating for their friendship group… these kids are most commonly at school, so there’s a ripple through the entire school community.“
The investigation remains ongoing.
Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam/CCTV footage or further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Coming up to the Easter weekend, Mr Caulfied said he would advise drivers to drive to the conditions and to ensure motorists are not driving affected by drugs or alcohol.
“Fatigue is a huge factor because people want to tend to drive long distances and get to their destination sooner to enjoy more holiday time,“ he said.
“Take a break every two hours in your drive. Get out of the car, stretch your legs before you become a statistic.“
For the current provisional lives lost tally, see police.vic.gov.au/road-safety-0
