Rear hit pushes car into traffic

By JESSE GRAHAM

A THREE-car collision in Coldstream last weekend has left two men in hospital with serious injuries and police looking for witnesses to the smash.
About 10.10am on Saturday 9 November, police believe a car slowed down on the Maroondah Highway travelling towards Lilydale, aiming to turn right, when another car hit it from the back.
The car was then pushed into oncoming traffic, where a car travelling towards Healesville hit it.
The driver of the struck car, a 21-year-old Millgrove man and his passenger, a 19-year-old from Yarra Glen, were both seriously injured in the collision.
Police from Healesville, Lilydale and the Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol, along with road and air ambulance all attended the scene of the crash.
The 19-year-old was airlifted to The Alfred hospital while the 21-year-old was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital by road.
Another driver, a 26-year-old from Belgrave Heights, was taken to Maroondah Hospital with minor injuries while the other driver, from Chum Creek, was not injured.
Acting Sergeant of Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol Graeme Rust said it is important for drivers to be careful on the road, particularly towards the end of the year and in wet conditions.
“Wet roads need to be treated with all due care and attention,” he said.
“Slow down to ensure that you approach bends and areas where you need to brake and avoid collisions and drive to the conditions – you don’t need to be at the speed limit at all times.”
“Taking these really small safety measures, hopefully you’ll be able to get to your destinations.”
Sgt Rust said police will be out in force in the lead up to Christmas, addressing a number of offences to keep the roads safe.
Anyone with information about the crash in Coldstream is encouraged to contact Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable Bullock on 9739 2402.