31-year-old Bendigo driver dies in car inferno

A BENDIGO man was killed when his car hit a tree and burst into flames early yesterday. The 31-year-old man was travelling north on Bonn Road, near Rochester, when he lost control of the car just after 5.30am and veered into trees.Police said the Holden Commodore burst into flames on impact. It caused a small grass fire and fire and emergency crews were called to the scene about 5.45am.When crews arrived the car had disintegrated.The man, who was thrown from the car, died at the scene.He was badly burnt and was flown to Melbourne to be formally identified. His belongings and parts of the car were scattered up to 80 metres away.Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, but said they believed speed was a factor.They said it was too early to know whether fatigue, drugs or alcohol had played a part.Police urged anyone with information about the crash to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.auThey will prepare a report for the coroner.The man’s death capped a horrific night on Victoria’s roads.A man died after his Holden Commodore rolled on the Hamilton Highway in Cressy about 4am yesterday and another young man was killed after his car smashed into a tree in Noble Park late on Saturday night.Both men died at the scene.The deaths take the road toll to 48, compared with 44 at the same time last year.