Two Lives Lost in Ferntree Gully Crash: A Man's Car Hit a Pole, Leaving Him in Hospital Under Police Guard
January 24, 2026 — 8:36pm
A tragic incident unfolded in Melbourne's outer east on Saturday night, claiming the lives of two passengers. A man, who was driving a car that hit a pole on Oaklands Avenue in Ferntree Gully, is now under police guard in hospital. The two passengers, whose identities have not yet been confirmed, died at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by police, who are urging witnesses and those with footage to come forward. This incident marks the 16th road fatality in Victoria since the beginning of 2026, following a chaotic day on Melbourne's roads.
Earlier in the day, an allegedly stolen Mazda collided with a Mercedes on the Monash Freeway at Endeavour Hills. The female driver of the Mercedes was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Up to eight teenage boys fled the stolen car, with one of them, a 15-year-old, being arrested by citizens and subsequently interviewed by the police. The remaining seven teenagers are still at large, having escaped into nearby bushland.
As police responded to this crash, they encountered another stolen car in the emergency lane of the Monash Freeway. The driver of this car, after attempting to evade police, led to a high-speed chase and eventually collided with six other vehicles. The driver and passenger then fled on foot.
This series of events highlights the ongoing challenges and risks associated with road safety in Victoria. The authorities are emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in providing information and footage to assist in ongoing investigations.
