Driver dead, another in hospital after crash at Cooper St and Edgars Rd in Epping

A driver has died and another remains in hospital under police guard after a horrific crash involving two cars in Melbourne’s north.

A driver is dead after two cars crashed in Epping. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A driver has died and another is in hospital under police guard after a two-car crash in Melbourne’s north.

A white SUV and a silver hatchback collided at the intersection of Cooper St and Edgars Rd in Epping about 11.15pm on Monday.

The driver of the hatchback, who is yet to be formally identified, was found dead at the scene.

Police accompanied the driver of the SUV to hospital.

The 47-year-old Meadow Heights woman is currently under police guard.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detective sergeant Mark Amos said the woman was travelling towards the Hume Hwy along Cooper St when she allegedly ran a red light and ploughed into a silver Toyota Yaris.

“As a result of that, both cars have ended up further down the road, the driver of the Yaris suffered fatal injuries,” Detective Amos said.

The two vehicles careened across Cooper St, with the SUV crossing the median strip and coming to rest several meters from the intersection.

The crash happened about 11.15pm on Monday. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Emergency services had to pull the side doors off the car to rescue the female driver of the Mitsubishi.

She is believed to have suffered serious lower body injuries.

The driver of the hatchback is believed to be a young man.

Detective Amos said drivers should pay extra close attention to road rules ahead of the Christmas period.

“This time of year traditionally has always been busier ... spring arrives and people just become mindless on the roads,” Det Amos said.

“Running red lights at intersections, there cannot be a more dangerous thing to do in a car at any hour of the day.

“Last night, it cost a young man his life.”

Police will investigate whether any drugs, alchol or distractions may have played a role in the collision.

Investigations remain ongoing.

The intersection has been reopened with emergency services having conducted their investigations. VicTraffic reports that delays in the area have eased.

Originally published as Driver dead, another in hospital after crash at Cooper St and Edgars Rd in Epping