The man police believe caused a head-on collision in Toolern Vale had been reported for driving recklessly prior to the smash.
Investigating officers said a Subaru RX was travelling west on the Melton Highway in Toolern Vale at a high speed when it collided head-on with a Ford station wagon travelling in the opposite direction just after 10pm on Saturday.
Three men, including the driver and passenger of the Ford, both male French nationals aged in their late 20s, were seriously injured and taken to hospital.
Witness Nathan Fulton, who was at the scene moments after the crash, said one of the travellers lost most of his teeth in the collision.
“It was crazy,” Mr Fulton said.
“He was upside down … and covered in blood.
“I sat with another [man] who had climbed out the window and was having trouble breathing and had a laceration on his ankle.
“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, but it was pretty confronting.”
The Subaru driver, a 32-year-old man from Redesdale, was taken to hospital with injuries to his leg and face.
All three men are in a stable condition.
Detectives spent Sunday morning scouring the scene and confirmed that the Frenchmen were travelling under the 100/kmh speed limit along Gisborne-Melton Road prior to the crash.
Brimbank highway patrol sergeant Andy Oakley alleged the Subaru was the same vehicle reported driving recklessly earlier in the night, nearly striking a pedestrian in the minutes before the crash.
“This senseless speed … it’s ridiculous, it’s pushed [the Ford] back some 15 to 20 metres. That’s how fast he was going,” Sergeant Oakley said.
“It was a horrible collision.”
Nine News was told the Subaru had its headlights switched off and that an open bottle of alcohol and drug paraphernalia was found inside the car.
Police will question the Subaru driver once his condition improves. He is facing a string of serious charges.
Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
– Nine News
