The close-knit community in Victoria’s southwest has been rocked by a horrific crash that killed four local teenagers.
Police believe the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree on Saturday morning, killing two female and two male occupants.
A fifth person – a teenage girl – was flown to The Alfred hospital and remains in a serious condition after sustaining upper body injuries.
On Sunday morning, police were seen removing the destroyed car from the crash scene. The body of the red sedan appeared to be crushed and heavily dented, with the car sustaining severe damage.
The wreckage was found by a passer-by at the Wannon-Nigretta Road in Bochara, a small town about 312km from Melbourne.
Victoria Police’s Sergeant Ryan Nelson described the scene as “pretty horrific”.
“We believe they’re local. The scene is still pretty horrific at the moment and we’re still making those inquiries,” he told Nine.
“Hamilton is a very close-knit community. There’s five people involved in this and all their families and all their friends. It’s going to hit the town really hard.”
The deceased passengers have yet to be formally identified and police are still contacting the next-of-kin.
According to the 2021 census, 10,346 people live in the township of Hamilton, with Bochara home to 84 residents.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit remained at the scene into the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from the Southern Grampians Shire Council urged locals to seek support.
“The Mayor, Councillors and staff join with the entire community tonight in expressing our deepest condolences to the families of those lost today at Bochara,” it read.
“We are deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy and cannot comprehend the grief and the pain the families and friends must be feeling tonight.
“Trust that the people of Hamilton share in your immense sadness and grief and we will rally around to support you.
“Over the coming days and weeks, we encourage anyone who needs to seek support, please do so.”
As of Sunday morning, the area has still been cordoned off by police, while investigations are ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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