Wild Melbourne Freeway Chase: Carjacker Hits Multiple Vehicles Before Arrest
Chaos erupted on Melbourne's freeways this morning as a man allegedly carjacked a van and led police on a high-speed chase, resulting in multiple collisions. The dramatic pursuit, captured by the 9News helicopter, saw the suspect weaving through traffic, impacting several vehicles before finally being apprehended.
The incident began when police were alerted to a suspected carjacking. Authorities allege the man forcibly took control of a van, initiating a reckless chase that stretched across several major Melbourne freeways, including sections of the West Gate Freeway and the Tullamarine Freeway. The suspect's driving was described as “erratic” by witnesses and police, posing a significant danger to other road users.
The 9News helicopter footage showed the van careening across lanes, narrowly avoiding further accidents. Multiple collisions were confirmed, though the extent of injuries remains unclear at the time of writing. Paramedics were quickly dispatched to the scenes of the crashes to assess and treat any injured parties. Traffic was heavily impacted across the affected freeway sections, with significant delays reported for commuters.
“This was a very dangerous situation, and we’re incredibly grateful that no one was seriously hurt,” stated a police spokesperson at a press conference following the arrest. “Our officers acted swiftly and decisively to bring this person into custody and ensure the safety of the public.” The spokesperson confirmed that the suspect is now in police custody and facing multiple charges, including carjacking, reckless driving causing property damage, and dangerous driving while pursuing police.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the chase or the initial carjacking to come forward. They are particularly interested in any dashcam footage that may have captured the incident. The closure of affected freeway lanes has now been lifted, but drivers are advised to remain vigilant and allow extra time for their journeys.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of road safety. Victorian authorities are urging all drivers to obey traffic laws and prioritize the safety of themselves and others on the road.