Wonthaggi crash: Merrin Crescent car accident children hospitalised after smash

The father of three children injured in a Wonthaggi crash has been identified as the driver of the car neighbours saw “flying” down the street.

Police believe speed may have caused a car, with three children inside, to hit a tree in Wonthaggi.

Emergency services were called to the major single car crash on Merrin Crescent about 3.50pm on Monday, April 26.

Three children were in the car at the time of the incident including an 11-year-old boy, who was flown to hospital in a coma.

The Royal Children’s Hospital confirmed two patients remain in a critical but stable condition following the crash.

Victoria Police have reported a 41-year-old man, who is the children’s father, suffered minor injuries and was arrested at the scene but has been released pending further inquiries.

Bass Coast Acting Sergeant Anthony Wilson said the investigation was ongoing.

“We believe speed may have been a factor,” Acting Sgt Wilson said.

But he was unable to comment on how fast the man was travelling at the time of the incident.

“Major collisions are still needing to piece that together when they do the reconstruction of the scene,” he said.

“We are also getting the vehicle mechanically checked to find any faults.”

Victoria Police media officer Sergeant Megan Stefanec previously said a three-year-old girl received serious injuries, while a 17-year-old girl suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Merrin Crescent resident Lisa Bain said she rushed to the incident after hearing the car “flying” down the road.

“It was skidding and spun around,” Ms Bain said.

“Then it hit a tree.”

Ms Bain said her chest began to ache when she saw the kids inside the car.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam footage urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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