Families have paid tribute to two of the victims who lost their lives in a horrific crash in Victoria’s southwest.
A mother and three teenagers were killed, while a 17-year-old girl, the sole survivor of the crash, was rushed to hospital with critical injuries to her upper body after the crash in Bochara, 300km west of Melbourne.
The teens involved are believed to be students at Baimbridge College in nearby Hamilton, a town of around 10,000 people.
Alicia Montebello has been identified as the older woman while one of the 17-year-old boys has been named as Joshua Elms.
Joshua’s father Matthew Elmes confirmed the news on social media, revealing on Sunday that he was “holding onto a post” from his son.
“I tried to be a good dad for you, Josh,” he said.
“I feel like I have failed you though … I will see you again someday…”
Ms Montebello was remembered by her brother Jaryd as a “beautiful sister taken way too soon”.
“You will be forever in our hearts and a part of my girls’ lives,” he said on Facebook.
“You were loved very much.”
It is believed on Saturday morning the vehicle was travelling at an “exceptionally high speed” along a narrow road before the driver lost control of the car, crashing it into a tree.
While the crash was so severe that police have still been unable to determine how many of those involved were wearing seatbelts, images of the sweet notes scribbled on the interior of the car have surfaced.
“Drive safe,” one read.
“Love people, help people,” read another.
Discovered by a passerby at Wannon-Nigretta Road around 9am, Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir told the media on Sunday the car was seen leaving a local waterfall park at around 1am the previous day.
“This was a really traumatic, destructive scene,” he said.
“It is a really narrow, rural road that the vehicle has obviously been travelling (down) at exceptionally high speed and has come off the road and impacted a tree.
“We’re still raising through a range of complexities and identification.
“We’re hoping the 17-year-old pulls through … and we’re hoping to unpack it all with her in due course.”
The “close-knit” community has been rocked by the news with the teenage victims all believed to be students at Baimbridge College in Hamilton.
Floral tributes have since been laid at the entrance of the school.
“He would always just do silly things and joke around, I just miss him and love him so much,” a friend of one of the boys told 9 News.
South Grampians Mayor David Robertson said Monday would be “a horrendous day” for the community and school friends known to the victims.
Victoria Police’s Sergeant Ryan Nelson said while they were yet to be formally identified it was believed all those involved in the “horrific” crash were locals.
“There’s five people involved in this and all their families and all their friends,” he said.
“It’s going to hit the town really hard.”
Mr Robertson said police would release the names of the other victims “at the right time”.
“We will get through it and there’s plenty of support coming into town this morning and plenty of support within the town for the victims and their families,” he said.
The Mayor said trauma teams from Horsham and Warrnambool would attend Baimbridge College and other schools while counsellors would be ready to support the community at the town’s Performing Arts Centre.
A number of fatal crashes this weekend have brought Victoria’s road toll to 130 – compared to 96 at the same time last year.
Assistant Commissioner Weir warned that toll could rise further with a number of people in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
“It makes your blood boil … these were so avoidable,” he said.
“When you see the family of a victim, listen to what they say – it’s heartfelt. You don’t want that to be you.
“There has been a catastrophe (every day) since Friday. It has to stop. We need people to take responsibility for their actions.”
The car was removed from the scene on Sunday while police hope to speak to the 17-year-old flown to the Alfred once her condition improves.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.