Teenagers killed after South Morang crash that ripped car in half

Tributes are flowing for a P-plate driver and his passenger after the pair tragically died following a high-speed crash in South Morang.

A car has been torn in two at a fatal crash on Plenty Rd South Morang. Picture: David Crosling

The P-plate driver of a speeding car split in half in a high-speed crash has died.

The 18-year-old – who crashed at South Morang on Sunday morning – died in hospital.

Passenger Christian Del Tondo, 18, was also killed. Another male in the car, also aged 18, miraculously escaped with minor injuries and has been discharged from hospital.

“It’s very sad,” Mr Del Tondo’s friend Fadi Alnajar told the Herald Sun.

“It is a miracle that the passenger survived this crash. They were just normal teenagers enjoying their life.”

Tributes flowed on social media for the young man, who was remembered as a “good kid” by his friends.

“Knew you well enough to know you were a good kid and taken way too soon,” one mourner wrote.

Another posted: “Hearts are broken. You will be very missed, fly high buddy.”

Many despaired at his age, heartbroken for a teenager “gone too soon”.

“Gone way too soon, fly high brother,” one person said.

“Rest easy angel, heaven has you now,” posted another.

The silver sedan the trio were in had been travelling north on Plenty Rd when the driver lost control and crashed into a traffic light before hitting a light pole just after 1am on Sunday.

The mangled wreckage of the car at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

High speed, believed to be more than 100km/h in a 60km/h roadworks zone, has been blamed.

Major Collision Investigation Unit Inspector Damien Madden said police were piecing piece together the circumstances of the crash.

“Sadly we are investigating high speed,” he said. “We are looking for anyone who can help us in (what occurred in) the lead-up to the collision. There were no known driving offences before the crash but investigations continue, including where the three youths had been in the hours beforehand.

“The lucky ones get caught,” Insp Madden said.

“We try to get people to understand the effects. They were not the lucky ones and this is a tragic example of that.”

“It has massive implications for the families, friends and the emergency service personnel.”

Blood samples had been taken from two of the occupants, including the driver.

Inspector Madden said although the pandemic had reduced traffic on the roads, the incidence of speeding and drink driving had increased.

Emergency workers were also called to a crash in South Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

The incident in Banks Rd left a motorcyclist in a critical condition. It follows a spate of deadly crashes, including the deaths of two motorcyclists on Thursday alone.

CAR SMASHES INTO TRAM

A car crashed into a tram near the Queen Victoria Market on Friday afternoon.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the tram and car collided on Peel St in North Melbourne, near Victoria St, about 3.30pm before the driver fled the scene.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman confirmed no one was injured in the crash.

Police and fire crews assisted in clearing the wreckage.

Police officers could be seen photographing the collision, during which a gold Nissan sedan became lodged between the tram and a tree.

Emergency crews working to clear the wreckage. Picture: David Caird

Police are trying to track down the driver who fled the scene. Picture: David Caird

The right back passenger door appeared to be ripped off during the collision, while its left side was bent inward by the tree and its bonnet bent out of shape.

Debris and car parts were lodged under the tram and found lying on the median strip the car mounted during the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au