Horror as elderly couple killed after truck crashes into house in Victoria’s southwest coast

The family of an elderly couple killed when a truck crashed into their home have paid tribute to them after the shocking accident.

Clareese Packer and Joanne Williamson

less than 2 min read

October 25, 2024 - 9:23PM

NewsWire

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An elderly couple killed when a truck ploughed into their home have been remembered by their “proud family”.

Jim and Carmel Madden, aged 81 and 80, died when the truck veered from the Princes Highway and crashed into their home in Tower Hill in southwestern Victoria just after 7am on Friday

“As a family we are totally devastated by the tragic events of this morning,” their family said in a statement released through Victoria Police.

“Jim and Carmel devoted their life to their family and have given us all so many opportunities and were immensely proud of us all.

Jim and Carmel Madden died on Friday when a truck crashed into their home at Tower Hill in southwestern Victoria. Picture: Supplied/ Victoria Police.

“As hard as it may be for everyone, they would want us and all their valued friends, the Tower Hill and Koroit communities, and all those in the farming and racing industry to continue on working to make the world a better place.

“Love to all from the proud family of Jim and Carmel.”

The truck veered off the road and crashed into the home. Picture: 7NEWS.

The truck driver, a 70-year-old Portland man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are set to arrive on scene, with investigations ongoing.

The couple, who previously sold cattle at the Warrnambool Sales Yards, were reportedly well known in their community.

Mr Madden told the Weekly Times in 2016 his family previously grew potatoes and onions but had made the switch to dairy after that point, with the farm being in the family for 75 years.