Lucky escape for drivers in high-impact crash

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By KATH GANNAWAY

POLICE are calling for witnesses to a crash in Woori Yallock on Wednesday 27 April, with the possibility of charges pending against one of the drivers.
Senior Constable Stephen Glenk of the Knox Highway Patrol said both drivers were lucky to walk away with minor injuries, given the severity of the impact and the 90km/h speed zone.
The crash happened around 6.30am on the Warburton Highway on the straight stretch of road between the Woori Yallock Creek and the intersection of Old Warburton Highway at Woori Yallock.
Hillcrest CFA Captain Fiona Burns said CFA units from Hillcrest and Seville and the Wandin Rescue Unit arrived to find one car off the road into a tree and the other down into a culvert after a side-on collision.
She said a Ford Territory and Toyota Land Cruiser had been travelling in opposite directions with the drivers as sole occupants.
“Both drivers received medical treatment at the scene from the paramedics,” she said.
Capt Burns said the road was exceptionally busy at what is the Yarra Valley’s version of peak hour and it was just lucky that no other vehicles were involved.
“A couple of people stopped to provide assistance and that sort of help is always appreciated, even if just to reassure the injured people until we get there,” she said.
The highway was closed for some time, with traffic diverted along Old Warburton Road.
Sen Const Glenk said police investigations into the crash were continuing.
“We don’t believe, however, that fatigue was an issue,” he said.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Senior Constable Stephen Glenk or Senior Constable Suzanne Brendel at Knox police station on 9881 7900.