CFA rescuers attempt to free two men trapped after a serious collision in Hampton Park.By Sarah Schwager
TWO Cranbourne men were yesterday fighting for their lives after a drag race between two cars went horribly wrong in Hampton Park last week.
Acting Sergeant Allen Inderwisch from Casey Traffic Management Unit (TMU) said two cars were drag racing along the South Gippsland Freeway at very high speed on Good Friday when one of the cars lost control and ran off the road shortly before 4am.
A Holden Commodore sedan ran off the left side of the freeway between Princes Highway and Pound Road, hit a tree and flipped into swampland, spreading wreckage across several metres.
The driver, a 19-year-old Cranbourne man, and passenger, a 24-year-old Cranbourne man, had to be cut free by Country Fire Authority rescue workers.
Both men were rushed to The Alfred hospital with life-threatening injuries but yesterday were said to be slowly stabilising.
The driver of the other car, a 19-year-old man, stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their investigation.
Acting Sgt Inderwisch said high speed and a lack of experience appeared to be the contributing factors to the crash.
“The two males were very fortunate not to have been killed,” he said.
The Major Collision Investigation Unit is investigating.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Casey TMU on 9705 3176.
