Bendigo teen Jamie Southwell dies in fiery crash

A BENDIGO teenager died after the car he was driving crashed into a tree and burst into flames yesterday morning.The body of 18-year-old Jamie Southwell was found on the side of Burns Street, between Spring Gully and Golden Gully, about 7am.His white Magna sedan was found a short distance away. Police said it had been completely gutted by fire.Officers from Bendigo’s uniform and Criminal Investigation units were on the scene yesterday, piecing together what led to the incident on the isolated track.Sergeant Tony Kekich said it appeared the car collided with a tree shortly after 3am and that the teenager had managed to free himself from the burning vehicle.“He got out and dragged himself away from the car but died at the scene,” he said.Burns Road is a remote bitumen track about 6km south of Bendigo. It is not known why the teenager, from Quarry Hill, was in the area.Senior Detective Dave Morris said the particular area of road was very windy and that it appeared he had taken a bend too quickly which caused him to lose control of the vehicle.He said speed appeared to be a factor and that the car burst into flames upon impact.“Judging by the distance the car’s gone and the damage to the car, I’d say he was going quicker than you could take (that particular) corner,” he said.Mr Southwell was the only occupant of the vehicle. Senior Detective Morris said Mr Southwell’s family had been notified and that police would prepare a report for the coroner.He encouraged anyone who may have seen a white Magna sedan before 3am yesterday to contact Bendigo Police on 5448 1300.