Driver involved in multiple collisions in Melbourne before Huntly crashes

The Midland Highway was blocked yesterday afternoon as emergency services worked to free the 20-year-old Melton man from his final collision.

His offending began on Melbourne’s ring road about 12.20pm when he side-swiped three cars while travelling in a large white Renault van in the right emergency lane.

Leading Senior Constable Peter Bullock, of Bendigo Highway Patrol, said the collisions forced the cars off the road but the man didn’t stop to offer assistance.

The van also sustained substantial damage to the front left-hand-side in the collisions.

It was next spotted by police at Faraday about 1.20pm on the Calder Freeway travelling at 142km/h.

Goldfields Highway Patrol members directed the man to stop, but he refused.

Leading Senior Constable Bullock said he was then seen driving erratically through Kangaroo Flat about 1.30pm, tailgating and travelling at high speeds.

WATCH: Police address media at the scene of Tuesday’s collision in Huntly

Witnesses have also reported seeing the van travelling at high speeds and overtaking when unsafe in Huntly, shortly before it collided with another two cars.

Leading Senior Constable Bullock said the van hit the rear of a red Corolla and a white Kia, forcing them both off the road.

“It then crossed over to the wrong side of the road and had a head on collision with a utility towing a trailer,” he said.

“The only reason he stopped at Huntly it appears was because of his injuries and the car was undrivable.”

The man had to be freed from the wreckage of the crash and was flown to The Royal Melbourne Hospital with serious injuries.

Leading Senior Constable Bullock said he suffered facial fractures, a punctured lung and a fractured back.

The three remaining drivers were assessed by paramedics at the scene, with the female driver of the Corolla and the male driver of the utility taken to Bendigo hospital.

Leading Senior Constable Bullock said the Melton man would be facing charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury and conduct endangering life.

Police are also awaiting blood test results from the hospital to determine if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crashes.

Leading Senior Constable Bullock urged motorists to drive safe, especially leading into the holiday season.

“Be aware there’s more traffic on the road at this time of year,” he said.

Anyone who witnessed the crashes is urged to call the Bendigo police station on 5448 1300.