Youth gangs under scrutiny after teens killed in horror smash

Police are scrutinising youth gang figures after four teenagers died in a horror smash in the wake of a terrifying confrontation in the western suburbs.

Youth gang figures have come under scrutiny as part of a murder investigation into four teenagers’ deaths in a horrific western suburbs smash.

A year ago this week the group of friends died after being chased in the aftermath of a frightening confrontation in which they were corralled by people in three vehicles at Tarneit.

The tragedy was initially thought to be the result of misadventure but more sinister details soon emerged.

The case wound up with homicide squad detectives questioning several people over the incident and the earlier altercation on the night of September 30.

Footage appears to show the victims’ car being boxed in. Picture: Victoria Police

The four boys, and two others who survived, had been near the Tarneit shopping centre on Derrimut Rd when the cars, each containing a number of people, surrounded them at 7.22pm.

They attacked the boys’ Ford with baseball bats and other objects in a frightening onslaught.

In the aftermath of the fatalities, detective Inspector Dean Thomas homicide squad said it appeared the victims had been boxed in and as many as eight or more people were involved.

Footage appears to show a group of men attacking the victim’s car with baseball bats. Picture: Victoria Police

Police have established the attackers came from three cars, a red Volkswagen Golf GTI, a blue Volkswagen Golf R and a red Holden VF Commodore.

Outnumbered and terrified, the teens crossed a median strip to the wrong side of the road before the pursuers gave chase.

Minutes later, the Ford, with an inexperienced and unlicensed driver at the wheel, ploughed head-on into a semi-trailer on Dohertys Rd in Truganina.

The scene of the fatal crash. Picture: Josie Hayden

Investigators are still looking for public help to determine what sparked the tragic chain of events.

Four teens, among them 16-year-old Kevin “Memo” Reech, died.

Two others were severely injured.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said detectives had spoken to “a number of people” about the collision and what led to it.

Kevin ‘Memo' Reech was among four teens who died in the incident.

“Police remain keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any other information about those involved and the motive,” she said.

“In particular, they would like to speak to anyone who is yet to talk to police and this can also be done confidentially.

“We know there are still people out there who can assist us and help hold those responsible to account.”

Anyone with information on the crash can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.