Southbound lanes closed near Monash Freeway interchange following serious multi-vehicle accident

The EastLink Freeway has reopened and delays are clearing near the Monash Freeway interchange, after a car and truck collision that left debris strewn across the eight-lane highway.

The crash at the southbound entry to the Monash Freeway about 4.30pm compelled authorities to close all four southbound lanes, needing two hours to clean up the site.

A further two northbound lanes were closed to allow for emergency services vehicles to get close to the accident site. Most lanes had reopened by 6.30pm.

Firefighters confirmed the driver of the car was not trapped “but sustained minor injuries”.

Ambulance Victoria confirmed a man in his 60s had been transported to The Alfred hospital, with the extent of his injuries unknown.

Chris Miller from the Transport Department said earlier that the scene was confronting for commuters and emergency services, and that a Mazda 3 appeared to be involved.

“It is rare to see a car so significantly damaged,” he said.

“I’m not entirely sure how it could possibly have happened,” he later added on 3AW.

One motorist, Brett, told 3AW radio: “I saw one hatch off to the left. I don’t know whether he had damage to the right side of the car, and I think the median wires had been struck.”

Another motorist, Rod, said he saw a truck in the median strip while heading north on EastLink.

“It looks like it’s got damaged and taken out the wires heading northbound. There’s a hell of a mess where the Monash merges onto EastLink heading south … It’s going to take ages to clean up.”

Miller suggested people who viewed the crash site consider contacting Amber Community, a not-for-profit organisation providing free professional counselling for people affected by road trauma in any way.

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