AN eyewitness who was among the first to help victims of today’s dramatic high speed crash at Mount Gambier’s main corner says it was a miracle no-one was killed.
In extraordinary scenes, a blue Hyundai sedan travelling south towards Bay Road drove through the main corner intersection and crashed into two cars.
According to shocked eye-witnesses, the alleged driver of the blue sedan hastily climbed through the window of the crumpled car and fled down the street towards the lane-way near the old post office building.
An onlooker gave chase to the 23-year-old man, who was arrested by police about 40 minutes later at John Street.
One person – who watched the events unfold – described the alleged offender’s actions as “gutless”.
Emergency personnel used the jaws of life to extract an injured driver from one vehicle who was conveyed to Mount Gambier Hospital.
Among those to receive non-life threatening injuries were an 86-year-old Mount Gambier man driving a green Ford Falcon, a 40-year-old Mount Gambier woman driving a white Ford Focus, and a 30-year-old woman who was a passenger in the Hyundai.
Eyewitness David Miles – who was in his car waiting at the intersection – described the accident as “one hell of an impact”.
“I’m surprised there was not a fatality,” Mr Miles told The Border Watch.
Mr Miles – who jumped out of his car to divert traffic and help a motorist trapped by her airbag – said one person chased the alleged driver of the offending car.
“One guy chased after him and I tried to keep traffic away from the scene,” he said.
Mr Miles said the scene – which was strewn with twisted metal – was not dissimilar to the recent Adelaide crash that tragically claimed the lives of two people.
Just moments earlier, police had activated emergency lights on their patrol vehicle in an attempt to stop the Hyundai sedan on Alexander Street but the vehicle allegedly failed to stop and drove away from officers.
Police followed the car for a short time but stopped seconds later due to safety reasons.
Limestone Coast Police operations manager Inspector Campbell Hill said police investigations were continuing into the circumstances of a crash, which occurred around two minutes after the attempt at stopping the vehicle.
“At around 3pm as a result of information provided to police, officers arrested the offending male driver in John Street,” Inspector Hill said.
“The 23-year-old man has been taken to hospital for medical assessment and is being interviewed.”
The man was expected to be charged with multiple offences, while it is understood the passenger could also face charges.
Insp Hill said three people at the scene were transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
“It is lucky nobody was more seriously injured and this incident is particularly concerning especially in light of recent circumstances regarding road fatalities across the country,” he said.
“We are appealing for anyone who might have witnessed the incident or who may have dash cam footage to call 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“We are also aware of people who may have chased the man following the crash and would appeal for them to come forward.”
