Rear passenger dies in three-car crash in Melbourne

A back-seat passenger has died and their driver is seriously injured following a horror three-car crash.

A passenger has died in a violent three-car crash in Melbourne’s west.

The crash happened in the suburb of Laverton North about 10pm on Thursday. A driver has also been seriously injured.

The incident involved a Ford Ranger colliding with one vehicle, then crashing into a traffic light and then a third vehicle.

The crash happened about 10pm in the industrial area of Laverton North. Picture: 7News

A passenger in the back seat of the Ford died at the scene. The driver of the Ford was seriously injured, and the front-seat passenger was uninjured.

The drivers of the other two cars were the only people in those vehicles; they are both not physically injured.

Images from the scene show a violent crash. The Ford’s front wheels have mounted one of the other vehicles. It appears emergency services had to cut away the entire back half of the Ford.

The crash happened at the intersection of Dohertys and Fitzgerald roads about 10.10pm.

Police say the black Ford Ranger collided with the silver Mitsubishi, then hit a traffic light pole and a silver Volkswagen. Picture: 7News

Police believe the black Ford Ranger was driving eastbound on Fitzgerald Rd when it collided with a silver Mitsubishi, which had been going south on Dohertys Rd.

“The Ford then collided with a traffic signal pole and a stationary grey Volkswagen,” a police spokesperson said.

The rear passenger who died is yet to be formally identified.

Police are investigating and want anyone with footage or witnesses to come forward.

In 2024, 1300 people died on Australian roads, an increase of 3 per cent on the previous year. Even with Australia’s expanding population, the nation’s road deaths-per 100,000 person rate rose in 2024 as well, up 1.2 per cent to 4.8.

Originally published as Rear passenger dies in three-car crash in Melbourne