Ocean Grove collision claims life of girl, 3, woman arrested

Flowers have been left at the scene of the collision in Ocean Grove, which left a three-year-old girl dead.

A shrine of flowers has appeared in the heart of a Bellarine town mourning the loss of a three-year-old child.

A shrine of flowers has appeared in the heart of a Bellarine town mourning the loss of a child who was killed in a car crash.

Residents in Ocean Grove were left shattered on Friday night after news a three-year-old girl had died after she was struck by a car on the corner of The Avenue and Presidents Ave just before 5pm.

The collision happened in front of Fitstop gym, which was closed on Saturday out of respect to the family.

“Our hearts and thoughts goes to the family affected,” a sign on the gym’s door read.

A sign appeared on the door of Fitstop.

“Please reach out if you need support either through us or your own support network.”

It’s understood the gym was hosting a class at the time of the horrific crash.

Flowers, toys and lady bugs were left on the sidewalk, a Victoria Police teddy bear among them.

Some residents stopped and left flowers through tears, others stopped to pay their quiet respects.

“It’s just horrific,” one local said.

A shrine of flowers appeared in the heart of Ocean Grove.

“We’re all just devastated.”

“I can’t remember anything like it around here,” another said.

The driver of the car, a 71-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene and released pending further inquiries.

Emergency services were called to the crash site about 4.50pm on Friday night, following reports a car had lost control and collided with a child.

A heavy police presence remained at the scene as of 7pm, with the intersection closed.

The scene on Friday night.

The intersection was closed.

Several residents passed by, with one local describing it as a “tragedy”.

The exact circumstances surrounding the collision were yet to be determined.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating.

The tragic incident comes just two weeks after six-year-old Caleb Wesley was struck and killed while walking to the bus stop with his siblings on Bannockburn-Shelford Rd in Teesdale.

Anyone who witnessed the collision on Friday, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Ocean Grove collision claims life of girl, 3, woman arrested