Two women from Melbourne lost their lives while attempting to aid an injured kangaroo on the roadside.
In a shocking turn of events, Victoria has witnessed a tragic week on its roads, with nine lives lost in just four days. The latest incident occurred last night, when two women were killed on the Hume Highway at Craigieburn in Melbourne's outer north.
The women were driving towards the city when they hit a kangaroo and stopped to assist it. Unfortunately, they were struck by another vehicle traveling at high speed, which did not see their car until the "last minute" and swerved to avoid it. Both women died at the scene, while a 30-year-old Thomastown woman was flown to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
Road policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir expressed his sympathies for the victims and those who witnessed the accident. He also expressed sympathy for the driver of the vehicle that hit the women, stating, "I can only imagine the trauma they are experiencing right now."
This incident continues a week of mourning on Victoria's roads, with three pedestrians, three motorcyclists, and three vehicle occupants losing their lives. The state's road toll has now lifted to 205 deaths, 11 more than at the same time in 2024.
Weir reminded motorists of the dangers of stopping on the roadway, particularly at night and in drizzly conditions. He stated that it was inherently dangerous to be on the roadway, especially at night and in such conditions.
The section of the freeway where the accident occurred is a dark area at night, making it difficult for drivers to see animals on the road. In an attempt to address this issue, Weir appeared at a parliamentary inquiry into wildlife road strikes on Monday. The inquiry is investigating road strike-related major trauma incidents.
While the location of the kangaroos involved in the incident is not known, it is worth noting that a group of kangaroos has been housed in the Auckland Zoo's Australia Bush Track alongside emu and brolga. Interestingly, the new home of these kangaroos is in New Zealand.
Road fatalities had fluctuated over the first eight months of 2025, according to Weir. He stated that there's really no commonality in the fluctuation of road fatalities over this period.
As the investigation into the Craigieburn crash continues, we urge all motorists to drive safely and be aware of the dangers on the road, particularly at night and in adverse weather conditions.
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