Foreign Workers’ Lives Cut Short in Horrific Minibus Crash That Left Four Dead and Five Fighting for Life in Regional Victoria
- Four people killed in minibus crash in Muckatah, 10km south of Cobram, on Monday evening
- Nine people on board, all from overseas, were working in the Greater Shepparton area
- Driver, 39, under police guard in hospital as investigation into cause of crash continues
A devastating minibus crash in regional Victoria has left four people dead and five others fighting for their lives, with all nine people on board from overseas and working in the area.
The white Toyota HiAce van veered off Chapel Rd in Muckatah, about 10km south of Cobram, and smashed into a tree at around 5pm on Monday. The impact was so severe that four passengers were killed instantly, including a 17-year-old boy, a 34-year-old man, a 51-year-old woman, and a 45-year-old woman.
Three 16-year-old girls, an 18-year-old woman, and the 39-year-old driver were rushed to hospital, where they remain in serious conditions. The driver, who is believed to be from overseas, is under police guard as investigators try to piece together what caused the tragic accident.
Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason described the crash as an “absolutely tragic incident” that would have a profound impact on the families and loved ones of the victims. “What we know is that’s four people who won’t see the 2025 Christmas, and it will have significant impacts on their loved ones, their friends, their relatives, and many, many lives… will be devastated, destroyed as a result of this collision,” he said.
Police are still trying to determine what caused the van to veer off the road, but are urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has dashcam footage to come forward. “It’s possible that another motorist may have seen something, and we’re appealing to anyone who may have information to contact us,” Mason said.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community, where the victims were all living and working. The Greater Shepparton area is home to a large number of foreign workers, and the incident has raised concerns about the safety of migrant workers in regional Australia.