Vic: Four die in fiery crash beside West Gate Freeway

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2007
Vic: Four die in fiery crash beside West Gate Freeway

At least four teenagers have died in a fiery high-speed crash beside Melbourne's West
Gate Freeway.

Disaster victim identification police have been called in to determine exactly who
died when a car speared off the freeway at Altona North shortly before 6.45 this evening
(AEDT) .. striking a tree and bursting into flames .. killing all inside.

Police will only confirm an 18-year-old is one of the victims but fire officers says
it's believed the 18-year-old and three companions aged 17 died.

Inspector RICHARD WATKINS of the major collisions investigation unit says police are
investigating if speed .. drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.

Police are keen to speak to witnesses .. especially anyone who saw two cars travelling
at high speed shortly before the accident.

The driver of a second car who is thought to have been travelling near the crashed
vehicle reported the accident to distressed relatives who arrived at the scene a short
time later.

An 18-year-old is now being questioned by police.

Mr WATKINS says there are at least four bodies in the car but it's not clear if early
reports of a possible fifth victim are correct.

The freeway will remain closed until the early hours of tomorrow.

Police have urged witnesses to call Crime Stoppers.







The accident caps off a horror weekend on the nation's roads .. with more than 20 people
dying since Friday .. with 11 people dying on Victorian roads alone.

AAP RTV jrd/mn/crh

KEYWORD: TOLL VIC (MELBOURNE)

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