THE Hamilton community is in mourning following the loss of four locals who tragically died when a vehicle they were travelling in left the road and struck a tree on the Wannon-Nigretta Falls Road at Bochara in the early hours of Saturday morning, May 27.
Three teenagers and one adult – all from Hamilton – died at the scene on the single-lane back road with a passer-by discovering the vehicle at about 9.30am and raised the alarm.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the identity of three of the deceased victims had been confirmed, named as Alicia Montebello, 31, Joshua Elmes, 15, and Megahn Fox, 14.
“We are still awaiting formal ID for the last child,” they said.
However, a spokesperson for the family of the remaining occupant has spoken of the loss of their much-loved son and brother, Lucus Garzoli, also aged 14.
“His loss will be felt deeply across the entire community,” they said.
“He was an amazing big-brother and beautiful son and will be missed greatly.
“The family ask that you respect their privacy and no further comment will be made.”
The sole survivor of the crash, a 17-year-old girl, was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital with critical injuries to her upper body.
A spokesperson for the Alfred Hospital said on Tuesday morning that she “remained in a serious but stable condition”.
Victoria Police said they were “still confirming who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash”.
“The only survivor is in hospital with … injuries so hasn’t been interviewed,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed paramedics were called to the accident site at Bochara at about 9.55am on Saturday morning with the survivor airlifted away.
Monivae College principal, Jonathan Rowe, confirmed on Monday that one of their Year 10 students, Joshua Elmes, 15, had died in the accident.
In a statement, Mr Rowe said the Monivae College community was devasted by the loss of Joshua.
“We express our deepest sympathy to Josh’s family and to all those who loved him, including his brother, Year 7 student Aaron,” he said.
It is believed Lucus Garzoli, and the sisters all attended Baimbridge College, however, a Department of Education spokesperson speaking on the school’s behalf would neither confirm, nor deny if any of the victims attended the school.
The Hamilton State Emergency Services (VICSES) Unit confirmed it was paged to assist Victoria Police to the incident at 10am on Saturday morning.
Hamilton VICSES agency commander, Tim Fry, said once on scene, VICSES crews assisted police as the control agency where required which included scene preservation (tarping the scene), lighting and the erection of a marquee for a sheltered command point.
Mr Fry said VICSES Heywood Unit also attended to provide an additional light tower and marquee.
He said the unit was requested to re-attend the incident around 11pm to assist in extricating all of the deceased from the vehicle.
“Our volunteers were exposed to a very confronting scene,” Mr Fry said.
“We were then recalled to the scene later that evening, and under the direction of the Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU), assisted with the extraction of the deceased from the vehicle.
“VICSES peer services and support systems have been put in place to support our members mental health and wellbeing.
“Our members are part of the local community, and we grieve with them during this difficult time.
“We plead with all motorists to take in all the road safety messages, take regular breaks and drive to the conditions.
“We want everyone to get home safe.”
One CFA unit from Bainbridge Fire Brigade also responded to the incident at about 10.25am.
Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, David Robertson said the entire Hamilton community had been devastated by the terrible tragedy.
“The unnecessary loss of young lives is so hard to fathom and really is every parent’s worst nightmare,” he said.
“On behalf of Council, I extend my condolences to those families who have lost their loved ones.
“We hope that you are getting the support that you need – the whole community has you in their thoughts at this time.
“To the schools and to all of the young people who have lost their friends, please look after each other in the coming days and weeks.”
Cr Robertson paid special tribute to the first responders, the emergencies services men and women, who attended the confronting scene over the weekend.
“I would also like to say thank you to those who worked many hours throughout the weekend managing this situation,” he said.
“To those health care staff who have jumped in so quickly to assist with counselling support following the event.”
Cr Robertson said trauma teams were onsite at a Hamilton Community Grief and Support Space made available for the anyone in the community needing support, between 9.30am-5pm at Hamilton Performing Arts Centre over the coming weeks.
Help has also been made available at the Hamilton District Skills Centre to provide counselling and mental health resources for those who needed help.
“We urge those who may need someone to talk to, please come forward,” he said.
Wannon MP, Dan Tehan has assisted in coordinating grief and mental health support efforts for members of the community affected by the tragedy.
“Thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted in our local community, especially the families of those who have died or been injured,” he said.
“One way or another – there would hardly been anyone in the local community who hasn’t been impacted.”
Mr Tehan said he had spoken to the headspace chief executive and Mental Health assistant minister, Emma McBride and said there was help available for anyone struggling to cope with the tragedy.
“Please reach out,” he said.
“These support services are there for students, teachers and adults for times such as these.”
If anyone needs someone to talk to now, please reach out to:
Lifeline 131 114
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
Griefline 1300 845 745
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
headspace 1800 650 890
Senior police expressed frustration at the tragic loss of lives with an examination of the scene by the MCIU revealing the car was travelling well in excess of 100 kilometres an hour.
Road Policing Command assistant commissioner, Glenn Weir said the senselessness of the loss of life made his “blood boil” as he referred to these kind of accidents as “so avoidable”.
“When you see the family of a victim, listen to what they say – it’s heartfelt,” he said.
“You don’t want that to be you.”
