Three dead after fiery crash outside Royal Women’s Hospital

A Cheltenham woman and her two young children have been killed in a “tragic” fiery smash outside The Royal Women’s Hospital.

Two burnt out cars after the crash near The Royal Women’s Hospital. Picture: David Crosling

A mother and her two children were tragically killed after a fiery crash on Flemington Road on Friday morning.

Police said a 35-year-old woman from Cheltenham and two children, an 8-year-old girl and a 20-month-old boy died in the inferno.

“A Ford Territory was travelling city bound on Flemington Rd when it’s lost control and collided with a tramways pole,” Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Clanchy said.

“It’s subsequently burst into flames.”

It is understood the woman had left the Royal Children’s Hospital before driving erratically and at speed down Flemington Rd about 9.50am.

Sen-Sgt Clanchy said a “minor incident” took place with another vehicle at the Gatehouse St intersection before the woman continued down Flemington Rd.

The woman is believed to be a mother of four, with police saying the children’s father had been contacted.

“We’ve had detectives with him since early this afternoon, once we were able to find him at work,” Sen-Sgt Clanchy said.

“He’s distraught as you would expect in the circumstances.”

Police confirmed earlier reports of someone fleeing the scene were not true.

“Unfortunately there was nothing that anybody was able to do in relation to making any rescue efforts,” Sen-Sgt Clanchy said.

“This is a tragic incident, it’s hard to find words to describe what’s happened here today.

“I’m at a loss for words.”

The police investigation remains ongoing and witnesses are encouraged to contact authorities.

One witness told reporters at the scene that she saw a black car driving fast and erratically — and described seeing sparks flying — before the deadly accident.

It’s understood witnesses rushed to help the driver and a passenger, but the car was engulfed in flames within seconds.

It’s believed at least one person fled the scene.

Ahmet Atalay, from local business Eat Pizza, said he heard two loud bangs before he rushed outside to see “a car up in flames”.

“It went up really quick … the bang bang was just crazy.”

Debris from the crash was strewn across Flemington Rd.

Police say the incident is not thought to be terror related.

The wrecked car. Picture: David Crosling

Emergency services at the scene near The Royal Women’s Hospital. Picture: David Crosling

Wreckage is strewn across the street after the fiery blaze. Picture: David Crosling

Flemington Rd was closed in both directions between Harker and Grattan streets.

Drivers were told to use Royal Parade, Curzon or Swanston streets as alternatives.

Police cordoned off Flemington Rd from Wreckyn St.

Commuters were wanted of disruptions on Route 58 and 59 with Flemington Rd closed from Wreckyn to Gatehouse streets.

Commuters are being urged to take alternative transport, including Bus 402 along Wreckyn St.

Authorities spent hours combing through debris, piecing together what caused the fatal crash.

Flemington Road remained closed at 3pm, with hospital staff and patients urged to use Royal Parade for entry.

A hospital spokeswoman said crisis support services had been put in place for those who had witnessed the inferno.

One witness told reporters they had seen the car crash into another vehicle before slamming into the pole 350m further down Flemington Road.