Save articles for later
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.
Police are probing whether speed was a factor in the death of a road worker who was struck by a car on the Eastern Freeway in Melbourne’s inner north overnight.
Emergency services were called to the crash on the freeway near Hoddle Street in Clifton Hill at about 12.15am on Wednesday.
Police were called to the scene just after midnight.Credit: Nine
Major collision investigation unit detectives believe the man in his late 50s was working on the freeway roadworks when he was struck by a Toyota sedan.
The worker was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital where he later died.
A 27-year-old man, believed to be the driver of the Toyota, was arrested and was assisting police with their enquiries.
Detective sergeant Luke Miller told reporters at the scene that early indications suggested speed was a factor in the collision, along with “wet, slippery” road conditions from the rain.
He said it was fortunate that the incident occurred during the early hours of the morning when there wasn’t significant traffic.
“It will be traumatic for the family of the worker, I can’t express my condolences [enough].
“To put a message out there: if you are driving, please drive within the conditions. Don’t speed and obey the road laws. This is yet another example of a collision that’s occurred this year that was preventable.”
A spokeswoman for Victoria Police said the Eastern Freeway was expected to be closed for some time while investigators process the scene.
As of 6.30am on Wednesday, VicTraffic advised the Eastern Freeway outbound remained closed at Hoddle Street.
All outbound traffic on Alexandra Parade was being diverted via Wellington Street to Queens Parade and Heidelberg Road to the Chandler Highway. All northbound traffic on Hoddle Street was continuing on to Heidelberg Road.
Drivers were being asked to allow extra time to traffic through the area.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Most Viewed in National
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article