Newborough crash: Man killed, three others taken to hospital after car loses control on bend

A Traralgon man in his 20s has died and three people have been injured after a driver lost control on a bend and crashed into a barrier in Newborough overnight.

A Traralgon man in his 20s has died and three others have been taken to hospital after a car crashed into a barrier in the Latrobe Valley.

The man, 24, was a passenger in a car that crashed on the Princes Freeway, near John Field Drive in Newborough, just after 3am Tuesday. He died at the scene.

Police believe the driver of the car lost control while travelling around a bend and crashed into a barrier. Two other men and a woman, also in the car at the time, were taken to hospital for treatment.

Ambulance Victoria said two men and a woman, all in their 20s, were take to Latrobe Regional Hospital, with the men in a stable condition.

It is expected the road will be blocked for some time while major collision investigation unit detectives attend the scene.

Acting Senior Sergeant Jason Benbow said police were in progress of notifying the family of the Traralgon man who died.

Sgt Benbow said the 21-year-old male driver was being questioned at the Morwell police station.

All the occupants in the vehicle were known to each other.

He said it was unclear how the collision happened at this stage.

“It’s obviously quite wet – weather might be a factor,” Sgt Benbow said.

“It happened at three in morning and traffic was minimal.

“It’s one of those ones where we’re just not sure what happened.”

He added that John Field Drive would be closed for several hours for the major collision investigation unit to continue its investigation into the incident.

Police diverting traffic around the crash scene. Picture: Jack Colantuono

The eastbound lanes of the Princes Freeway are closed between John Field Drive, Newborough and Haunted Hills Road, Hernes Oak.

All traffic heading away from Melbourne is detouring via Newborough and Yallourn, using John Field Drive, De Campo Drive and Haunted Hills Road to return to the freeway, the Department of Transport said.

Drivers are asked to allow up to 10 minutes extra and to be mindful of local traffic.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.