Woman killed in freak accident on freeway identified as Mary-Anne Cutajar

The woman who was killed in a freak accident on a major freeway has been identified as a mother of four, with the family ‘in shock’ after the tragedy.

The woman killed in a freak incident on a major Melbourne freeway has been identified.

Mary-Anne Cutajar was driving towards Greensborough on the M80 Ring Road when a metal item fell off the back of a white truck about 4pm on Thursday.

Mary-Anne Cutajar died after a metal item went through her car windscreen. Picture: Supplied.

The metal item travelled across the freeway and struck Ms Cutajar’s car, crashing through the windscreen and striking the 46-year-old Deer Park woman. She died at the scene.

Ms Cutajar was the only one inside the car.

A family member said they are “all in shock”, according to the Herald Sun.

Ms Cutajar was married with four children, and also had three grandchildren.

Victoria Police major collision investigation unit detective inspector Craig McEvoy said it was “really sad circumstances”.

“They’re trying to grieve the loss of a mother, a wife and they’re trying to assist us the best they can do and grieve these really, really sad circumstances,” Inspector McEvoysaid.

The metal item fell off the back of a truck. Picture: 7News

Police believe the piece of metal was a Riv-Nail driver system, a tool designed for maintaining conveyor belts.

It’s typically used across the mining, manufacturing and food processing industries to install rivets to fasten metal clips onto the end of conveyor belts.

The truck driver didn’t stop following the incident and was last seen travelling towards Altona.

It was not known if the driver was aware the incident occurred.

Police are looking to speak with the driver and has urged anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.

Inspector McEvoy urged the driver to come forward.

“Please, if it is yourself and you have now identified through searching of your equipment and your tools that you are missing this item … please come forward and let us know so you can assist us with our inquiries,” Inspector McEvoy said.

Police believe the metal item was a Riv-Nail driver system. Picture: Victoria Police.

It’s typically used across the mining, manufacturing and food processing industries. Picture: Victoria Police.

Sergeant Amos earlier urged drivers to secure loads on trailers and trucks.

“We need to try and find some answers for this poor woman’s family because it’s a really sad set of events and we want to work out why it has occurred and give some answers to (the family) who are sadly going to this year’s Christmas minus one person,” he said.

“We need to take greater care; if you have a load on the trailer or a truck, just secure it. If you see debris on the roads, report it.

“We have to be responsible with what we do and until we start treating the roads with some respect.

“Sadly, I fear I will be doing this for the rest of my life.”

All Greensborough-bound lanes were closed between Ballarat Rd and Sunshine Ave following the collision.

Originally published as Woman killed in freak accident on freeway identified as Mary-Anne Cutajar