Emergency services rush to Gellibrand after tree falls on car, killing driver

An elderly man who was killed after a tree fell on his car in the Otway Ranges has been identified.

A man has died and his passenger taken to hospital after a tree fell on a car in Gellibrand on Wednesday. Picture: 7News

An elderly couple from NSW have been revealed as the victims of Wednesday’s tragic accident in the Otways when a tree fell on their car.

One was killed and the other left fighting for life in the aftermath of the collapse, which was caused by wild weather.

The 77-year-old man and 73-year-old woman, both from Forster, north of Newcastle, were trapped after the tree came down on their vehicle on Wednesday afternoon.

The man died at the scene and the woman was flown to The Alfred hospital with critical lower-body injuries.

The hospital confirmed on Friday the woman’s condition had improved to serious but stable.

Police said the car was travelling along Main Rd, near Berrys Rd, in Gellibrand at about 1.30pm when a tree fell on their vehicle.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated,” a police spokeswoman said.

Powercor crews work to clear fallen trees after strong winds lash the region. Photo: Supplied.

The tragic accident followed wild weather across the state as wind gusts reached 120km/h.

Powercor responded to a number of incidents leaving thousands of people without power across the state, with the southern region the hardest hit.

It’s understood the accident in Gellibrand may have cut the electricity of an estimated 1220 customers.

Powercor crews from Geelong were sending generators to Apollo Bay on Wednesday night after destructive winds bought down trees over powerlines that left the town without electricity.

More than 5500 people in Apollo Bay were without power and crews are working to repair the extensive damage.

Anyone who witnessed the fatal incident in Gellibrand or has information which could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Emergency services rush to Gellibrand after tree falls on car, killing driver