By Brendan Rees
A man has been lucky to escape with minor injuries after his car was struck by another vehicle in Clyde, which fled the scene.
Andrew Mackay was driving home when he stopped at the intersection of Fisheries Road and South Gippsland Highway when his Golf hatchback was rear-ended about 5pm on Thursday 2 July.
“He’s just whacked into the back of our Golf and reversed back and done a runner,” Mr McKay’s partner Rachel MacDonald said, who was not in the car at the time.
She said the impact was so great it had forced Mr McKay’s hand to slide off the steering wheel and hit the windscreen.
Luckily, he was able to walk away with bruising and soreness and swelling to his hand.
Mr MacKay, 31, attended Casey Hospital with the help of a family friend and was released at 4.45am the following morning after undergoing x-rays and CT scans.
However, the other vehicle believed to be an older model black Ford Ranger displaying green P plates, drove off without any attempt to stop and exchange details, Ms MacDonald said.
She said the car did a u-turn and drove along Fisheries Road towards North Road.
“Obviously it’s not a good intersection and I don’t think it’s very well-lit either.
“We just hope that this guy doesn’t do it to anyone else.”
Ms MacDonald said her partner, who is a Naval instructor at HMAS Cerberus at Crib Point, had heard the sound of tyres screeching moments before his car was struck.
The couple hope by sharing their story that anyone with information of the offending vehicle and the driver, believed to be in his early to mid 20s, will be able to help.
“Because Andrew didn’t get the registration details the police said they couldn’t file a report,” Ms MacDonald said.
She said they prayed the other male driver was OK but urged him to do the right thing and come forward.
The couple have contacted their insurance company but the damage bill was expected to be in excess of $10,000.
“The whole boot is caved in; I had to clean it out … and there’s glass everywhere and it’s not pretty,” Ms MacDonald said.
The airbags of the Golf were not deployed but the couple have no doubt the other driver would have felt the impact.
“We’re just glad the car didn’t actually push him into the South Gippy intersection itself because that would’ve been life threatening so we’re very blessed in that respect,” Ms MacDonald said.
“His hand’s a bit battered and puffy but he’s OK.
“It’s not actually how he pictured our night to go.”
Ms MacDonald said she was “quite disappointed” as the Golf, a 2012 model, was of sentimental value as it was her first car.
Anyone with information is urged call 0447 392 817.
