Rachel Fieldhouse
Travel Trouble

"Act of a coward": Police slam fatal hit-and-run driver

Home security footage has emerged of a driver walking away from the scene of a deadly crash that killed one man and seriously injured another.

The crash occurred in Carrum Downs, southeast of Melbourne, on Tuesday morning at about 7.15am.

A 44-year-old road worker died at the scene, while their 38-year-old colleague suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Detectives said the workers were struck by a red Holden travelling well above the speed limit, with the security footage showing him walking away from the crumpled car.

After leaving the scene on foot, the man got into a black Hyundai SUV and was driven away.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Jarrod Dwyer described the driver as a “coward” who committed a “callous, cold act”.

“The driver has got out, looked directly at the victims and then run off,” he told reporters.

“It’s the act of a coward.”

Acting Senior Sergeant Dwyer said two “good Samaritans” who witnessed the collision came to the aid of the two workers and the driver.

When the driver started to run away from the scene, a member of the public pursued him and took photos of him while shouting for the driver to stop.

Police have released the photo taken of the driver by a bystander. Image: Victoria Police

It is believed he could have some facial injuries from the crash.

Though the Holden’s exact speed has not been determined yet, it is believed to have been “well and truly” over the 40 km/h limit set due to road works.

Acting Senior Sergeant Dwyer said police would be “pulling out all the stops” to locate the driver from the crash, as well as the one who picked him up.

The driver was seen getting into a black Hyundai SUV before being driven away from the scene. Image: Victoria Police

“We will find these people,” he said.

“Hand yourselves in. It’s very, very simple, you will be found, we’ve got your photograph.

“Anybody who is attempting to harbour these people will face criminal investigations, criminal charges.”

Authorities are also encouraging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the two men to contact triple zero.

Image: Victoria Police

Tags:
Travel trouble, hit and run, car crash, investigation