Six teenagers are in critical condition following a high-speed crash in Melbourne’s north involving an allegedly stolen vehicle. The incident occurred around 1:30 am when the Haval SUV rolled after crashing into an embankment near the Hume Freeway entrance on O’Herns Road in Epping. Emergency services transported all six occupants to the hospital, with one individual requiring airlifting due to the seriousness of their injuries.
The police first observed the speeding SUV near Church Street in Whittlesea at about 1 am. After briefly losing track of the vehicle, the Police AirWing located it approximately 20 minutes later, travelling at high speeds on Plenty Road in South Morang. Authorities successfully deployed stop sticks on Bellevue Boulevard in an attempt to halt its progress. Despite ongoing surveillance, police were not actively pursuing the vehicle when it crashed.
The group of injured includes three 17-year-old boys from Whittlesea, two 16-year-old boys from Hume, and a 19-year-old woman from Seymour. All individuals are currently under police guard in hospital.
The Haval was reportedly taken during an aggravated burglary at a residence on Starboard Drive in Doreen earlier that morning. As investigations continue, authorities have closed both the inbound exit and on-ramp of the Hume Highway at O’Herns Road. O’Herns Road itself remains shut between Gateway Boulevard and the freeway, with motorists advised to expect delays exceeding 45 minutes.