High Speed Pursuit Ends With Multi Vehicle Collision, Police Arrest Fleeing Driver In Brisbane

Melbourne, Australia— A high-speed police pursuit ended in a multi-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon, sending three people to hospital and leaving the fleeing driver in custody.

Traffic Operations Command said the chase began at 2:55 p.m. on the Princes Highway after officers attempted to stop a stolen sedan for speeding. The driver refused to stop. He accelerated to over 160 km/h.

Police said the pursuit lasted 11 minutes and covered 14 kilometers through Clayton and Springvale. The sedan ran two red lights and clipped a bus. The police helicopter tracked it from above. Ground units pulled back and followed at a distance.

The crash occurred at an intersection near Westall Road. The sedan lost control while overtaking, spun, and struck two civilian cars waiting at the lights. A third car swerved to avoid debris and hit a pole. Airbags deployed across the intersection.

The suspect, a 21-year-old man, attempted to flee on foot. He was tackled by officers 50 meters from the wreck. Police said he resisted arrest and sustained minor cuts. A search of the vehicle found a screwdriver and a bag of tools.

Three occupants from the other vehicles were injured. A 34-year-old woman suffered a broken arm. A 62-year-old man had chest injuries. A 19-year-old driver had whiplash. All were taken to Monash Medical Centre. None are in life-threatening condition.

Inspector Lisa Carr said the decision to pursue was reviewed in real time. She said the helicopter provided oversight. She said the pursuit was authorized because the vehicle was confirmed stolen and posed a broader risk.

Traffic was diverted for over three hours. Crash investigators measured skid marks, collected bumper fragments, and downloaded dashcam footage. The highway patrol impounded the stolen sedan for forensic examination.

The man faces charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, reckless conduct endangering life, theft of a motor vehicle, and failing to stop for police. He will appear in Dandenong Magistrates Court Thursday.