Family slams driver after driver allegedly flees Noble Park North rental truck crash

The devastated family of a mum of four killed in a horror rental truck crash in Noble Park North has slammed the driver, who allegedly fled the scene.

Police at the scene of the fatal crash. Picture: Jason Edwards

The devastated family of a woman killed in a horror truck crash have expressed their anger toward the man who allegedly fled the scene after he fatally smashed into a pole.

Mother of four Janelle Kay, 47, was killed after the rental truck she was a passenger in careered into a timber power pole along Jacksons Rd in Noble Park North about 3am on Monday.

The male driver of the truck allegedly fled the scene on foot but was later found by the police’s canine unit near Elonera Rd and the Princes Hwy.

The crash site was just metres from Ms Kay’s home.

Janelle Kay has been remembered as a caring and giving person. Picture: Supplied

Ms Kay’s nephew, Logan Spalding, said the man’s “cowardly” actions would not be forgotten by his heartbroken family anytime soon.

“All I can really say about his actions is that they’re extremely cowardly and he has no backbone,” the 27-year-old told the Herald Sun.

“I would say to the man … well I can’t call him a man really, ‘have a look in the mirror’.

“It was an extremely cowardly act to take off the way you did after causing this to happen to my family member.

“Reassess yourself and understand that you can’t outrun your actions.

“He’ll face justice, simple as that.”

The driver allegedly fled the scene. Picture: Jason Edwards

Victoria Police arrested the 32-year-old driver a short distance from the scene after the pair’s trip to buy cigarettes was tragically cut short.

Mr Spalding, from Pakenham, said his aunty was an extremely “loving person” who loved socialising with friends and family over a coffee.

“She was very kind-hearted, a loving person but all I have now is memories really,” he added.

“I saw her two weeks ago for the first time in a while and I was planning on seeing her more often because I do miss that connection we had.

“I’m glad I did get that visit in.

“The family is understandably upset, I’m just battling through it.

“It is very difficult when life throws these punches at you.”

Ms Kay’s brother, Peter Spalding, remembered his sister as someone who would throw open her doors to anyone in need.

“She was a very generous person, she helped a lot of people out,” he said.

“She would help anyone who showed up at her place, always friendly, generous and very caring.”

Mr Spalding said the driver’s decision to flee the scene was inexcusable.

“He was only acting in the best interests of himself instead of looking after another person,” he added.

“That’s where he’s condemned in my eyes.

“If he’d stopped and rendered assistance my opinion of him would be a lot higher than where it is now.”

Police had not laid any charges on Tuesday night.