School aged child killed, another injured in head-on highway crash

A major arterial highway has been closed after a young child was killed in a horror head-on crash.

A child has been killed in a head-on crash on the Maroondah Hwy, northeast of Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

A young child has been killed and another left with serious injuries after a horror head-on crash on a busy arterial highway northeast of Melbourne.

The primary school age child was pronounced dead at the scene after two vehicles collided on the Maroondah Hwy at Coldstream shortly after 4pm.

Two other occupants of the same vehicle were rushed to hospital by paramedics, including a second primary school aged child suffering serious injuries.

The driver of the vehicle received only minor injuries, while the driver and sole occupant of the second vehicle was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Victoria Police said the circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established with an investigation by the Major Collision Investigation Unit ongoing.

The Maroondah Hwy, an arterial road, is expected to be closed for some time between Melba Hwy and St Huberts Rd while detectives from MCIU process the scene.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence said the death was “devastating news” after an earlier fatal crash on Maroondah Hwy that killed a 62-year-old woman on Boxing Day.

“Two horror crashes on Maroondah/Melba highways in a week, with today’s resulting in a child fatality. My heart goes to the family for their loss,” she said.

“I will continue seeking road safety upgrades from VicRoads and the state government for our major Yarra Valley roads to help limit these crashes.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as School aged child killed, another injured in head-on highway crash