Driver, 21, faces court over fatal West Gate Bridge truck crash

A 21-year-old alleged driver has faced court via his lawyer, charged over a West Gate Bridge crash that killed a passenger.

A man charged over a fatal collision on the West Gate Freeway that killed a passenger has faced court via his lawyer.

Emmanuel Abel Kur, 21 of Wyndham Vale, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, six counts of reckless conduct endangering life and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

It is alleged a silver Ford Falcon XR6 sedan, allegedly driven by Abel Kur, was travelling outbound along the West Gate Freeway near Williamstown Road when it collided with a truck about 10.35am on July 5.

The passenger in the car, a 22-year-old Truganina man, was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries and died on July 6.

Police and firefighters swarmed the crash scene on the West Gate Bridge.

Emergency services treating patients in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

Defence lawyer, Nick Jane, appeared in court on behalf of the accused, who remains in hospital with “significant injuries” to his neck and spine.

Mr Jane said his client was a vulnerable person and it was his first time in custody.

He was remanded to reappear in court in December for a committal case conference.

He did not make an application for bail.

Earlier today, Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives charged Abel Kur following the July 5 collision in Spotswood.

The suspected stolen car bearing false registration plates was seen speeding and driving erratically before ­colliding with a Vinnies truck travelling outbound on the West Gate Bridge, before the Williamstown Rd exit.

A man could be seen being led away by emergency services.

A man is escorted into a divvy van by police.

The crash prompted a major response from emergency services including dozens of police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

Ambulance Victoria assessed seven people at the scene.

Victoria Police said three other males aged in their 20s who were in the car were arrested at the scene.

“They have since been released pending further inquiries,” a police spokeswoman said.

Major Collision Investigation Unit officers are probing the crash.

A driver told 3AW he was travelling outbound when a silver car sped past him “like a bullet” on the West Gate Bridge.

“It was like watching a video game,” he said.

All outbound lanes of the West Gate Freeway were closed for several hours between the Bolte Bridge and Williamstown Rd.

Westgate Highway Patrol were appealing for public assistance as they probed the incident.

“Investigators are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage that may have been in the area at the time of the collision,” a police spokesman said.

Dozens of police and firefighters were at the scene.

The mangled wreck of a car can be seen on the bridge.

Originally published as Driver, 21, faces court over fatal West Gate Bridge truck crash