Driver crashes car in Bacchus Marsh following suspected stroke

AN elderly driver remains in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a suspected stroke before crashing his car into a road side fence at Bacchus Marsh on Thursday.

The man was driving his car west of Bacchus Marsh on the Western Freeway with no other passengers about 11.15am when he struck the barrier near the Hallets Way overpass.

Bacchus Marsh SES deputy controller Bill Robson said the driver’s side of the car was wedged against a gum tree. Using hydraulic equipment, it took SES crew  15 minutes to free the 73-year-old from Watsonia. 

An ambulance spokesperson said it’s believed the man suffered a stroke.

The man was reportedly conscious throughout the entire incident but suffered multiple cuts and abrasions, and was taken by ambulance to The Alfred hospital in a serious condition.

‘‘We believe he may have suffered some kind of medical condition, so he’s taken his foot off the pedal and began rolling to a stop,’’ Bacchus Marsh’s Sergeant Justin Johnston said.

‘‘We estimate he was doing between 50-60km/h when he struck the fence.’’