Three killed in freak Melbourne car accident caused by falling tree

Three people have been killed in an “awful” accident likely caused by a tree smashing into a car sending the vehicle into a gully.

Three people have been killed on a road east of Melbourne when a freak accident saw a tree smash into the car they were in.

A women in her 30s and a toddler were taken to hospital and are in a stable condition following the crash on Sunday afternoon.

The tragic incident took place on Sherbrooke Road, Kallista in the Dandenongs about 2.30pm.

Police and emergency services attend the scene of a fatal accident after a tree fell on a car, killing three people. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The vehicle careered down a gully after being hit. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Victoria Police believe a falling tree my have struck the car on the country road. The car then careered off the road into a gully.

Two men and a woman died at the scene. The child was flown to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Pictures from the scene show the silver car lying off to the side of the road. Much of the vehicle appears to have been crushed. A baby seat was lying beside the road close to the crash site.

Two people – a woman and a child – survived the accident east of Melbourne. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy told the Herald Sun it appeared to be an accident with no indication drugs, alcohol or speeding played a role.

“It’s sad. We go out and ask people to take care, we normally see speed or distraction.

“But on this occasion it’s just one of those awful things that has ended up in a complete tragedy.”