'Absolute carnage': multiple trucks, cars in fatal crash on regional highway

Emergency services were called to Armstrong, a small town in western Victoria, at 12.30pm on May 28 following reports of a fatal multi-vehicle collision.

A B-double truck and four other vehicles crashed on the Western Highway, near the intersection of Thomas Road, Victoria Police said.

On May 29, police said the two people in an Isuzu van - a 49-year-old male driver from Lyndhurst and a 24-year-old female passenger from Clyde North - were two of the victims pronounced dead at the scene.

The male driver of a Toyota Kluger, a 65-year-old South Australian man, also could not be saved, Victoria Police said.

The driver of the semi-trailer, a 63-year-old Horsham man, and the driver of a Volvo XC40, an 83-year-old Geelong woman, were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The driver of an Isuzu small truck, a 52-year-old Corio man, was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham described the scene as "absolute carnage" in a press conference on May 28.

"At approximately 12.30pm today, we've got two cars heading eastbound on the Western Highway outside Armstrong," Senior Sergeant Lineham said.

"The rear-most car of those two has struck the first car, forcing them to cross to the opposite side of the road," he said.

"At the same time, we've got a Kluger heading westbound, followed by a semi-trailer.

"Unfortunately, that first car that crossed the road was hit by the Kluger and the semi-trailer went over both cars at that stage.

"As a result of the collision, we've got three deceased people. It's absolute carnage down there. We've got a vehicle, we've got a truck, a B double on its side.

"We've got multiple cars involved in there, and we're now sorting through as to exactly what happened.

"In the lead up to our King's birthday long weekend, we just implore drivers to pay attention to the roads. If you want to have a drink, don't drive. Don't be distracted and take your time to get to your destination."

There have been 127 lives lost on Victorian roads so far in 2025.

This figure is higher than in 2024, with an additional 14 deaths compared to the same time in the previous year.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.