A MAN is dead and a woman in hospital after a four-wheel-drive towing a caravan lost control and rolled in Sea Lake on Saturday.
Emergency services were called to the Calder Highway, 6kn north of Sea Lake, after reports a 4WD towing a caravan had lost control and rolled about 1.30pm.
A 67-year-old male passenger in the vehicle, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.
The 64-year-old female driver was airlifted to Bendigo Health in a stable condition with serious head injuries.
The highway was closed for a significant time as Collision Investigation Unit detectives travelled from Melbourne to investigate.
Swan Hill highway patrol Sergeant Les McPhee said it was unclear what caused the caravan to swerve and roll on the straight section of highway.
“It’s a timely reminder to be aware of your surroundings, especially during the school holidays with more people out of lockdown and back on the roads,” Sgt McPhee said.
“If you’re travelling long distances, make sure you plan your trip, make sure you take breaks, and be aware of gravel shoulders.”
Sgt McPhee said early morning heavy fog in recent days also quickly changed the condition of roads.
“And just because the highway is signposted at 100km/h, you don’t need to travel at that speed. Drive to the conditions,” he said.
Sgt McPhee said it was important to learn how to tow a caravan.
“We aren’t saying in this situation the driver didn’t know how to tow a caravan, but it’s a timely reminder because it’s a completely different scenario when towing something,” he said.
“Get some instructions prior to your first trip. Speak to family and friends who have a caravan and maybe start with small trips.
“Learn how the vehicle reacts differently on the roads when you have all that weight behind you.
“This tragedy just demonstrates how easily it can happen when you lose control.”
It’s the third fatal crash in Sea Lake in seven months.
It brought the road toll for the year to 111, six fewer than the same time last year.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
