Latest news with #Kluger
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Murder or mistake? Trial opens over teen shooting death
The fate of two people accused of murdering a teenager during a car chase rests on the reasons for firing a shotgun. John Paul Evans, 57, and his son Keith Evans, 31, are accused of murdering Jesse Thompson during a pursuit through the streets of Wyong on the NSW Central Coast in 2017. The pair were in a dual-cab ute with a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when a shotgun was discharged in the hands of Keith Evans. Mr Thompson was sitting in the back seat of a Toyota Kluger, the second car involved in the pursuit, when he was hit by the shot. The 19-year-old died soon after as a result of his injuries. Events preceding Mr Thompson's death were revealed as agreed facts during the NSW Supreme Court trial opening on Thursday. In the days leading up to his death, Keith Evans assaulted one of Mr Thompson's friends, Jayke Rodgers, putting him in hospital. On the day of the alleged murder, Mr Rodgers and some of his friends retaliated by smashing a glass door at the Evans' family home. They later met with more friends at a local park and got into the Kluger, with Mr Thompson in the back seat, and became involved in a car pursuit with the Evans' ute. But the details of the car chase, including who brought the gun, remains in dispute. One of the key issues in the trial is whether Keith Evans intended to fire the shotgun. "The heart of this dispute is about the discharge of that firearm and whether it was accidental," his barrister Michelle Fernando said. Her client did not intend to fire the gun or harm Mr Thompson, Ms Fernando told the jury. "Keith Evans is here not because he's committed a crime," she said. "He's here because the Crown alleges he has committed the crime of murder." John Evans' barrister, John Stratton SC, told the jury his client was not aware of the altercation between his son and Mr Rodger's group of friends. "It is his belief that the shot which killed the deceased was the result of a terrible accident," he said. Mr Stratton said John Evans maintained he picked up the gun after one of the men from the Kluger dropped the weapon. Crown prosecutor Adrian Robertson told the jury John Evans has given evidence he knew about the smashed door at their family home. Throughout the trial, occupants of the Kluger would tell the jury they saw Keith Evans point the gun at their vehicle, Mr Roberston said. The jury would hear evidence Keith Evans first pointed the shotgun at the front of the vehicle, before shifting it to fire through the open back window, he said. Mr Robertson said the Crown must prove he deliberately fired at Mr Thompson. "An intentional act, rather than an accidental one," he said. "And of course, that there was no lawful excuse for such a thing." The trial continues on Friday. The fate of two people accused of murdering a teenager during a car chase rests on the reasons for firing a shotgun. John Paul Evans, 57, and his son Keith Evans, 31, are accused of murdering Jesse Thompson during a pursuit through the streets of Wyong on the NSW Central Coast in 2017. The pair were in a dual-cab ute with a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when a shotgun was discharged in the hands of Keith Evans. Mr Thompson was sitting in the back seat of a Toyota Kluger, the second car involved in the pursuit, when he was hit by the shot. The 19-year-old died soon after as a result of his injuries. Events preceding Mr Thompson's death were revealed as agreed facts during the NSW Supreme Court trial opening on Thursday. In the days leading up to his death, Keith Evans assaulted one of Mr Thompson's friends, Jayke Rodgers, putting him in hospital. On the day of the alleged murder, Mr Rodgers and some of his friends retaliated by smashing a glass door at the Evans' family home. They later met with more friends at a local park and got into the Kluger, with Mr Thompson in the back seat, and became involved in a car pursuit with the Evans' ute. But the details of the car chase, including who brought the gun, remains in dispute. One of the key issues in the trial is whether Keith Evans intended to fire the shotgun. "The heart of this dispute is about the discharge of that firearm and whether it was accidental," his barrister Michelle Fernando said. Her client did not intend to fire the gun or harm Mr Thompson, Ms Fernando told the jury. "Keith Evans is here not because he's committed a crime," she said. "He's here because the Crown alleges he has committed the crime of murder." John Evans' barrister, John Stratton SC, told the jury his client was not aware of the altercation between his son and Mr Rodger's group of friends. "It is his belief that the shot which killed the deceased was the result of a terrible accident," he said. Mr Stratton said John Evans maintained he picked up the gun after one of the men from the Kluger dropped the weapon. Crown prosecutor Adrian Robertson told the jury John Evans has given evidence he knew about the smashed door at their family home. Throughout the trial, occupants of the Kluger would tell the jury they saw Keith Evans point the gun at their vehicle, Mr Roberston said. The jury would hear evidence Keith Evans first pointed the shotgun at the front of the vehicle, before shifting it to fire through the open back window, he said. Mr Robertson said the Crown must prove he deliberately fired at Mr Thompson. "An intentional act, rather than an accidental one," he said. "And of course, that there was no lawful excuse for such a thing." The trial continues on Friday. The fate of two people accused of murdering a teenager during a car chase rests on the reasons for firing a shotgun. John Paul Evans, 57, and his son Keith Evans, 31, are accused of murdering Jesse Thompson during a pursuit through the streets of Wyong on the NSW Central Coast in 2017. The pair were in a dual-cab ute with a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when a shotgun was discharged in the hands of Keith Evans. Mr Thompson was sitting in the back seat of a Toyota Kluger, the second car involved in the pursuit, when he was hit by the shot. The 19-year-old died soon after as a result of his injuries. Events preceding Mr Thompson's death were revealed as agreed facts during the NSW Supreme Court trial opening on Thursday. In the days leading up to his death, Keith Evans assaulted one of Mr Thompson's friends, Jayke Rodgers, putting him in hospital. On the day of the alleged murder, Mr Rodgers and some of his friends retaliated by smashing a glass door at the Evans' family home. They later met with more friends at a local park and got into the Kluger, with Mr Thompson in the back seat, and became involved in a car pursuit with the Evans' ute. But the details of the car chase, including who brought the gun, remains in dispute. One of the key issues in the trial is whether Keith Evans intended to fire the shotgun. "The heart of this dispute is about the discharge of that firearm and whether it was accidental," his barrister Michelle Fernando said. Her client did not intend to fire the gun or harm Mr Thompson, Ms Fernando told the jury. "Keith Evans is here not because he's committed a crime," she said. "He's here because the Crown alleges he has committed the crime of murder." John Evans' barrister, John Stratton SC, told the jury his client was not aware of the altercation between his son and Mr Rodger's group of friends. "It is his belief that the shot which killed the deceased was the result of a terrible accident," he said. Mr Stratton said John Evans maintained he picked up the gun after one of the men from the Kluger dropped the weapon. Crown prosecutor Adrian Robertson told the jury John Evans has given evidence he knew about the smashed door at their family home. Throughout the trial, occupants of the Kluger would tell the jury they saw Keith Evans point the gun at their vehicle, Mr Roberston said. The jury would hear evidence Keith Evans first pointed the shotgun at the front of the vehicle, before shifting it to fire through the open back window, he said. Mr Robertson said the Crown must prove he deliberately fired at Mr Thompson. "An intentional act, rather than an accidental one," he said. "And of course, that there was no lawful excuse for such a thing." The trial continues on Friday. The fate of two people accused of murdering a teenager during a car chase rests on the reasons for firing a shotgun. John Paul Evans, 57, and his son Keith Evans, 31, are accused of murdering Jesse Thompson during a pursuit through the streets of Wyong on the NSW Central Coast in 2017. The pair were in a dual-cab ute with a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when a shotgun was discharged in the hands of Keith Evans. Mr Thompson was sitting in the back seat of a Toyota Kluger, the second car involved in the pursuit, when he was hit by the shot. The 19-year-old died soon after as a result of his injuries. Events preceding Mr Thompson's death were revealed as agreed facts during the NSW Supreme Court trial opening on Thursday. In the days leading up to his death, Keith Evans assaulted one of Mr Thompson's friends, Jayke Rodgers, putting him in hospital. On the day of the alleged murder, Mr Rodgers and some of his friends retaliated by smashing a glass door at the Evans' family home. They later met with more friends at a local park and got into the Kluger, with Mr Thompson in the back seat, and became involved in a car pursuit with the Evans' ute. But the details of the car chase, including who brought the gun, remains in dispute. One of the key issues in the trial is whether Keith Evans intended to fire the shotgun. "The heart of this dispute is about the discharge of that firearm and whether it was accidental," his barrister Michelle Fernando said. Her client did not intend to fire the gun or harm Mr Thompson, Ms Fernando told the jury. "Keith Evans is here not because he's committed a crime," she said. "He's here because the Crown alleges he has committed the crime of murder." John Evans' barrister, John Stratton SC, told the jury his client was not aware of the altercation between his son and Mr Rodger's group of friends. "It is his belief that the shot which killed the deceased was the result of a terrible accident," he said. Mr Stratton said John Evans maintained he picked up the gun after one of the men from the Kluger dropped the weapon. Crown prosecutor Adrian Robertson told the jury John Evans has given evidence he knew about the smashed door at their family home. Throughout the trial, occupants of the Kluger would tell the jury they saw Keith Evans point the gun at their vehicle, Mr Roberston said. The jury would hear evidence Keith Evans first pointed the shotgun at the front of the vehicle, before shifting it to fire through the open back window, he said. Mr Robertson said the Crown must prove he deliberately fired at Mr Thompson. "An intentional act, rather than an accidental one," he said. "And of course, that there was no lawful excuse for such a thing." The trial continues on Friday.
Canberra Times
6 hours ago
- Canberra Times
Murder or mistake? Trial opens over teen shooting death
They later met with more friends at a local park and got into the Kluger, with Mr Thompson in the back seat, and became involved in a car pursuit with the Evans' ute.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
Murder or mistake? Trial opens over teen shooting death
The fate of two people accused of murdering a teenager during a car chase rests on the reasons for firing a shotgun. John Paul Evans, 57, and his son Keith Evans, 31, are accused of murdering Jesse Thompson during a pursuit through the streets of Wyong on the NSW Central Coast in 2017. The pair were in a dual-cab ute with a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when a shotgun was discharged in the hands of Keith Evans. Mr Thompson was sitting in the back seat of a Toyota Kluger, the second car involved in the pursuit, when he was hit by the shot. The 19-year-old died soon after as a result of his injuries. Events preceding Mr Thompson's death were revealed as agreed facts during the NSW Supreme Court trial opening on Thursday. In the days leading up to his death, Keith Evans assaulted one of Mr Thompson's friends, Jayke Rodgers, putting him in hospital. On the day of the alleged murder, Mr Rodgers and some of his friends retaliated by smashing a glass door at the Evans' family home. They later met with more friends at a local park and got into the Kluger, with Mr Thompson in the back seat, and became involved in a car pursuit with the Evans' ute. But the details of the car chase, including who brought the gun, remains in dispute. One of the key issues in the trial is whether Keith Evans intended to fire the shotgun. "The heart of this dispute is about the discharge of that firearm and whether it was accidental," his barrister Michelle Fernando said. Her client did not intend to fire the gun or harm Mr Thompson, Ms Fernando told the jury. "Keith Evans is here not because he's committed a crime," she said. "He's here because the Crown alleges he has committed the crime of murder." John Evans' barrister, John Stratton SC, told the jury his client was not aware of the altercation between his son and Mr Rodger's group of friends. "It is his belief that the shot which killed the deceased was the result of a terrible accident," he said. Mr Stratton said John Evans maintained he picked up the gun after one of the men from the Kluger dropped the weapon. Crown prosecutor Adrian Robertson told the jury John Evans has given evidence he knew about the smashed door at their family home. Throughout the trial, occupants of the Kluger would tell the jury they saw Keith Evans point the gun at their vehicle, Mr Roberston said. The jury would hear evidence Keith Evans first pointed the shotgun at the front of the vehicle, before shifting it to fire through the open back window, he said. Mr Robertson said the Crown must prove he deliberately fired at Mr Thompson. "An intentional act, rather than an accidental one," he said. "And of course, that there was no lawful excuse for such a thing." The trial continues on Friday.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Toyota Kluger: Prices up across hybrid large SUV range
Prices for the Toyota Kluger have increased by up to $1490 across the lineup effective from June 1, 2025, representing a jump of almost $8000 since the current generation was introduced in 2021. The entry level seven-seat Kluger GX has increased from $60,290 before on-road costs to $62,410 before on-roads, an increase of $1490. The mid-level Kluger GXL has been given the same increase, and is now priced at $71,930 before on-roads, while the top-spec Kluger Grande is now $84,080 before on-road costs, an increase of $1220. CarExpert has contacted Toyota Australia for comment on the price increase, which works out to be 2.5 per cent on the entry-level Kluger GX – but an increase of $7990 over the previous petrol non-hybrid GX 2WD starting point for the range 12 months ago. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The three-row SUV lineup is imported to Australia from the United States. In 2024, Toyota dropped the standard turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which itself replaced the 3.5-litre V6 offered between 2021 and 2022, and which was offered with front- or all-wheel drive – and made the 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain standard on every model grade. All Klugers sold here now feature standard all-wheel drive. No other spec or equipment changes for the Kluger – a rival to the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 and Nissan Pathfinder – have been shared. Australian Kluger sales to the end of April 2025 were down 24.8 per cent to 2125 units, relatively low numbers compared to the automaker's popular LandCruiser, Prado and RAV4 SUVs. Toyota Australia closed order books for petrol-only versions of a number of models mid-last year, with Kluger joined by the Yaris Cross, Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4 – its best-selling model – now offered exclusively with petrol-hybrid powertrains. MORE: Everything Toyota Kluger Content originally sourced from: Prices for the Toyota Kluger have increased by up to $1490 across the lineup effective from June 1, 2025, representing a jump of almost $8000 since the current generation was introduced in 2021. The entry level seven-seat Kluger GX has increased from $60,290 before on-road costs to $62,410 before on-roads, an increase of $1490. The mid-level Kluger GXL has been given the same increase, and is now priced at $71,930 before on-roads, while the top-spec Kluger Grande is now $84,080 before on-road costs, an increase of $1220. CarExpert has contacted Toyota Australia for comment on the price increase, which works out to be 2.5 per cent on the entry-level Kluger GX – but an increase of $7990 over the previous petrol non-hybrid GX 2WD starting point for the range 12 months ago. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The three-row SUV lineup is imported to Australia from the United States. In 2024, Toyota dropped the standard turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which itself replaced the 3.5-litre V6 offered between 2021 and 2022, and which was offered with front- or all-wheel drive – and made the 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain standard on every model grade. All Klugers sold here now feature standard all-wheel drive. No other spec or equipment changes for the Kluger – a rival to the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 and Nissan Pathfinder – have been shared. Australian Kluger sales to the end of April 2025 were down 24.8 per cent to 2125 units, relatively low numbers compared to the automaker's popular LandCruiser, Prado and RAV4 SUVs. Toyota Australia closed order books for petrol-only versions of a number of models mid-last year, with Kluger joined by the Yaris Cross, Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4 – its best-selling model – now offered exclusively with petrol-hybrid powertrains. MORE: Everything Toyota Kluger Content originally sourced from: Prices for the Toyota Kluger have increased by up to $1490 across the lineup effective from June 1, 2025, representing a jump of almost $8000 since the current generation was introduced in 2021. The entry level seven-seat Kluger GX has increased from $60,290 before on-road costs to $62,410 before on-roads, an increase of $1490. The mid-level Kluger GXL has been given the same increase, and is now priced at $71,930 before on-roads, while the top-spec Kluger Grande is now $84,080 before on-road costs, an increase of $1220. CarExpert has contacted Toyota Australia for comment on the price increase, which works out to be 2.5 per cent on the entry-level Kluger GX – but an increase of $7990 over the previous petrol non-hybrid GX 2WD starting point for the range 12 months ago. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The three-row SUV lineup is imported to Australia from the United States. In 2024, Toyota dropped the standard turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which itself replaced the 3.5-litre V6 offered between 2021 and 2022, and which was offered with front- or all-wheel drive – and made the 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain standard on every model grade. All Klugers sold here now feature standard all-wheel drive. No other spec or equipment changes for the Kluger – a rival to the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 and Nissan Pathfinder – have been shared. Australian Kluger sales to the end of April 2025 were down 24.8 per cent to 2125 units, relatively low numbers compared to the automaker's popular LandCruiser, Prado and RAV4 SUVs. Toyota Australia closed order books for petrol-only versions of a number of models mid-last year, with Kluger joined by the Yaris Cross, Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4 – its best-selling model – now offered exclusively with petrol-hybrid powertrains. MORE: Everything Toyota Kluger Content originally sourced from: Prices for the Toyota Kluger have increased by up to $1490 across the lineup effective from June 1, 2025, representing a jump of almost $8000 since the current generation was introduced in 2021. The entry level seven-seat Kluger GX has increased from $60,290 before on-road costs to $62,410 before on-roads, an increase of $1490. The mid-level Kluger GXL has been given the same increase, and is now priced at $71,930 before on-roads, while the top-spec Kluger Grande is now $84,080 before on-road costs, an increase of $1220. CarExpert has contacted Toyota Australia for comment on the price increase, which works out to be 2.5 per cent on the entry-level Kluger GX – but an increase of $7990 over the previous petrol non-hybrid GX 2WD starting point for the range 12 months ago. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The three-row SUV lineup is imported to Australia from the United States. In 2024, Toyota dropped the standard turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which itself replaced the 3.5-litre V6 offered between 2021 and 2022, and which was offered with front- or all-wheel drive – and made the 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain standard on every model grade. All Klugers sold here now feature standard all-wheel drive. No other spec or equipment changes for the Kluger – a rival to the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 and Nissan Pathfinder – have been shared. Australian Kluger sales to the end of April 2025 were down 24.8 per cent to 2125 units, relatively low numbers compared to the automaker's popular LandCruiser, Prado and RAV4 SUVs. Toyota Australia closed order books for petrol-only versions of a number of models mid-last year, with Kluger joined by the Yaris Cross, Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4 – its best-selling model – now offered exclusively with petrol-hybrid powertrains. MORE: Everything Toyota Kluger Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
29-05-2025
- The Advertiser
'Absolute carnage': multiple trucks, cars in fatal crash on regional highway
Police have disclosed the ages of three people who died in a horrific crash involving multiple cars and trucks on a regional highway. Emergency services were called to Armstrong, a small town in western Victoria, at 12.30pm on May 28 following reports of a fatal multi-vehicle collision. A B-double truck and four other vehicles crashed on the Western Highway, near the intersection of Thomas Road, Victoria Police said. On May 29, police said the two people in an Isuzu van - a 49-year-old male driver from Lyndhurst and a 24-year-old female passenger from Clyde North - were two of the victims pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of a Toyota Kluger, a 65-year-old South Australian man, also could not be saved, Victoria Police said. The driver of the semi-trailer, a 63-year-old Horsham man, and the driver of a Volvo XC40, an 83-year-old Geelong woman, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The driver of an Isuzu small truck, a 52-year-old Corio man, was taken to hospital as a precaution. Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham described the scene as "absolute carnage" in a press conference on May 28. "At approximately 12.30pm today, we've got two cars heading eastbound on the Western Highway outside Armstrong," Senior Sergeant Lineham said. "The rear-most car of those two has struck the first car, forcing them to cross to the opposite side of the road," he said. "At the same time, we've got a Kluger heading westbound, followed by a semi-trailer. "Unfortunately, that first car that crossed the road was hit by the Kluger and the semi-trailer went over both cars at that stage. "As a result of the collision, we've got three deceased people. It's absolute carnage down there. We've got a vehicle, we've got a truck, a B double on its side. "We've got multiple cars involved in there, and we're now sorting through as to exactly what happened. "In the lead up to our King's birthday long weekend, we just implore drivers to pay attention to the roads. If you want to have a drink, don't drive. Don't be distracted and take your time to get to your destination." There have been 127 lives lost on Victorian roads so far in 2025. This figure is higher than in 2024, with an additional 14 deaths compared to the same time in the previous year. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at Police have disclosed the ages of three people who died in a horrific crash involving multiple cars and trucks on a regional highway. Emergency services were called to Armstrong, a small town in western Victoria, at 12.30pm on May 28 following reports of a fatal multi-vehicle collision. A B-double truck and four other vehicles crashed on the Western Highway, near the intersection of Thomas Road, Victoria Police said. On May 29, police said the two people in an Isuzu van - a 49-year-old male driver from Lyndhurst and a 24-year-old female passenger from Clyde North - were two of the victims pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of a Toyota Kluger, a 65-year-old South Australian man, also could not be saved, Victoria Police said. The driver of the semi-trailer, a 63-year-old Horsham man, and the driver of a Volvo XC40, an 83-year-old Geelong woman, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The driver of an Isuzu small truck, a 52-year-old Corio man, was taken to hospital as a precaution. Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham described the scene as "absolute carnage" in a press conference on May 28. "At approximately 12.30pm today, we've got two cars heading eastbound on the Western Highway outside Armstrong," Senior Sergeant Lineham said. "The rear-most car of those two has struck the first car, forcing them to cross to the opposite side of the road," he said. "At the same time, we've got a Kluger heading westbound, followed by a semi-trailer. "Unfortunately, that first car that crossed the road was hit by the Kluger and the semi-trailer went over both cars at that stage. "As a result of the collision, we've got three deceased people. It's absolute carnage down there. We've got a vehicle, we've got a truck, a B double on its side. "We've got multiple cars involved in there, and we're now sorting through as to exactly what happened. "In the lead up to our King's birthday long weekend, we just implore drivers to pay attention to the roads. If you want to have a drink, don't drive. Don't be distracted and take your time to get to your destination." There have been 127 lives lost on Victorian roads so far in 2025. This figure is higher than in 2024, with an additional 14 deaths compared to the same time in the previous year. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at Police have disclosed the ages of three people who died in a horrific crash involving multiple cars and trucks on a regional highway. Emergency services were called to Armstrong, a small town in western Victoria, at 12.30pm on May 28 following reports of a fatal multi-vehicle collision. A B-double truck and four other vehicles crashed on the Western Highway, near the intersection of Thomas Road, Victoria Police said. On May 29, police said the two people in an Isuzu van - a 49-year-old male driver from Lyndhurst and a 24-year-old female passenger from Clyde North - were two of the victims pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of a Toyota Kluger, a 65-year-old South Australian man, also could not be saved, Victoria Police said. The driver of the semi-trailer, a 63-year-old Horsham man, and the driver of a Volvo XC40, an 83-year-old Geelong woman, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The driver of an Isuzu small truck, a 52-year-old Corio man, was taken to hospital as a precaution. Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham described the scene as "absolute carnage" in a press conference on May 28. "At approximately 12.30pm today, we've got two cars heading eastbound on the Western Highway outside Armstrong," Senior Sergeant Lineham said. "The rear-most car of those two has struck the first car, forcing them to cross to the opposite side of the road," he said. "At the same time, we've got a Kluger heading westbound, followed by a semi-trailer. "Unfortunately, that first car that crossed the road was hit by the Kluger and the semi-trailer went over both cars at that stage. "As a result of the collision, we've got three deceased people. It's absolute carnage down there. We've got a vehicle, we've got a truck, a B double on its side. "We've got multiple cars involved in there, and we're now sorting through as to exactly what happened. "In the lead up to our King's birthday long weekend, we just implore drivers to pay attention to the roads. If you want to have a drink, don't drive. Don't be distracted and take your time to get to your destination." There have been 127 lives lost on Victorian roads so far in 2025. This figure is higher than in 2024, with an additional 14 deaths compared to the same time in the previous year. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at Police have disclosed the ages of three people who died in a horrific crash involving multiple cars and trucks on a regional highway. Emergency services were called to Armstrong, a small town in western Victoria, at 12.30pm on May 28 following reports of a fatal multi-vehicle collision. A B-double truck and four other vehicles crashed on the Western Highway, near the intersection of Thomas Road, Victoria Police said. On May 29, police said the two people in an Isuzu van - a 49-year-old male driver from Lyndhurst and a 24-year-old female passenger from Clyde North - were two of the victims pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of a Toyota Kluger, a 65-year-old South Australian man, also could not be saved, Victoria Police said. The driver of the semi-trailer, a 63-year-old Horsham man, and the driver of a Volvo XC40, an 83-year-old Geelong woman, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The driver of an Isuzu small truck, a 52-year-old Corio man, was taken to hospital as a precaution. Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham described the scene as "absolute carnage" in a press conference on May 28. "At approximately 12.30pm today, we've got two cars heading eastbound on the Western Highway outside Armstrong," Senior Sergeant Lineham said. "The rear-most car of those two has struck the first car, forcing them to cross to the opposite side of the road," he said. "At the same time, we've got a Kluger heading westbound, followed by a semi-trailer. "Unfortunately, that first car that crossed the road was hit by the Kluger and the semi-trailer went over both cars at that stage. "As a result of the collision, we've got three deceased people. It's absolute carnage down there. We've got a vehicle, we've got a truck, a B double on its side. "We've got multiple cars involved in there, and we're now sorting through as to exactly what happened. "In the lead up to our King's birthday long weekend, we just implore drivers to pay attention to the roads. If you want to have a drink, don't drive. Don't be distracted and take your time to get to your destination." There have been 127 lives lost on Victorian roads so far in 2025. This figure is higher than in 2024, with an additional 14 deaths compared to the same time in the previous year. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at
