Lucky escape

By Lia Bichel
TRAFFIC near Berwick came to a standstill for several hours on the weekend after a head-on collision between a semi-trailer and a station wagon.
Police said the crash occurred about 8.30am on Saturday on the Princes Freeway at the Soldiers Road overpass.
The Berwick CFA and two heavy rescue trucks from Dandenong attended the scene and crews worked for more than two hours to free the Pakenham woman, 27, from her car.
Berwick CFA captain Alan Boyd said the rescue was the most difficult he has done in more than 30 years.
“The car was wedged under the prime mover in such a way that we couldn’t get easy access to her,” he said.
“It was a long and intricate job. We had to winch her out of the car and cut off the roof to get her out, and she was conscious throughout. Everyone worked really well together.”
The Pakenham woman was flown to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries and the driver of the truck, a 37-year-old Traralgon man, was taken to Dandenong Hospital with serious chest injuries.
The freeway was closed for seven hours following the crash.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and they would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that may assist investigators.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
For more details, read this week’s Pakenham Berwick Gazette.