Multiple drivers in hospital after major smash in Maribyrnong, near Highpoint

Onlookers chased a driver trying to flee the scene of a horror collision that left three people in hospital — holding him down as he “hurled abuse”.

Onlookers were forced to grab a driver at the centre of a six-car smash as he tried to flee the scene, performing a citizen’s arrest until police arrived.

The man — who witnesses told the Herald Sun was driving “erratically” and at high speed — hit four cars on Cordite Ave in Maribyrnong, causing his ute to go “flying up” and hit another vehicle in the process.

“He forced his way out of the smashed window and tried to make a run for it before another onlooker performed a citizen’s arrest,” a motorist said.

Police, firefighters and paramedics were on the scene of the six car smash. Picture: Himangi Singh

“He was trying to take off but this man held him down and stopped him.

“He kept hurling abuse and was trying his best to run off but got overpowered by the man.”

The motorist said he saw the driver being “held down by his chest and neck”.

Emergency services clear the wreckage. Picture: Himangi Singh

He said he felt “lucky” he was not in front of the traffic.

“I would have been hit. It’s really scary,” he said.

Emergency services clean up the carnage, packing the white ute onto a tow truck. Picture: Himangi Singh

Emergency services were called to the scene at 12.45pm, and a Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed the crash was being investigated.

“Three people, including the offending driver, were taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital with non-life threatening injuries,” she said.

Traffic has since re-opened up on Canning St and Cordite Ave.

Police have urged anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.