FRESH details have emerged about Alicia Montebello’s red Toyota Corolla that crashed into a tree in Bochara late last month, claiming the lives of four people.
A city newspaper has reported that the car had been deemed unroadworthy or ‘canaried’ by police just weeks before the incident, while parked at a Hamilton caravan park – only days before she faced charges of stalking, wilful damage and contravening bail at the Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court. The car is said to have also been abandoned for a period of time in a residential street after the defective notice was issued.
In the lead up to the crash, it is believed Ms Montebello regularly brought teenagers into her cabin and to another Hamilton motel she briefly stayed at. She was allegedly kicked out of the caravan park for her inappropriate behaviour which included drug use.
Locals have also claimed that she would wait outside Baimbridge College for schoolkids, to which the school allegedly informed police of but not parents.
The sole survivor of the horror crash, 17-year-old Jorja Fox, remains at the Alfred Hospital in a stable condition.
Police have not revealed who was driving at the time of the crash.
14-year-old crash victim, Lucus Garzoli, had his funeral on Thursday, while 15-year-old Joshua Elmes will have his today and 14-year-old Megan Fox on Tuesday.
Counselling support continues
SINCE the tragic incident, over 100 people have reached out for local counselling, bereavement and mental health services.
The accident sent shock waves through the community, however, all levels of government, along with local mental health services, have come together to work closely with school leaders to help coordinate supports where they are needed most.
The Hamilton Cinema, and the Hamilton District Skills Centre next to Baimbridge College, have been availed for families, students and the community seeking help, as well as a pop-up site at HPAC.
“Guided by the expertise from headspace National, the Hamilton response group have coordinated support personnel and a range of communication and social networking strategies to reach, engage and inform students, parents, family members, friends and community members impacted by this incident,” Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) chief executive, Rowena Clift said.
“WVPHN will continue to work with all agencies in Hamilton to ensure those who need support and assistance continue to receive it.”
Speaking on behalf of the multi-agency response team, Southern Grampians Shire Council chief executive, Tony Doyle, offered his condolences and heart-felt sympathy to families, colleagues and friends of the young people who lost their lives.
Mr Doyle said there had been a huge response by the community showing a generosity of spirit by many people to help in any way possible.
“Ongoing needs will be closely monitored and supports will continue to be coordinated for those in need,” he said.
Police issue road safety plea
VICTORIA Police is urging motorists to take extra care on the roads over the King’s Birthday long weekend as the number of lives lost surges to a 16-year high.
For Operation Regal, launched on Friday, police have ramped up enforcement across the state in an effort to drive down road trauma.
It follows a terrible period on our roads which saw 29 lives lost during May, more than double the same month last year, and five fatalities in the first week of June.
There have now been 142 lives lost on Victorian roads in 2023, up 38 per cent on the same time last year. The last time over 140 lives had been lost at this point of the year was in 2007, when there were 143 lives lost.
There have been 111 single vehicle fatalities, eight double fatalities, two quadruple fatalities and one quintuple fatality this year, compared with 101 single vehicle fatalities and only one double fatality this time last year.
The increase in multiple fatality collisions has seen passenger deaths rise 255 per cent to 32 from nine this time last year, while driver fatalities have increased 56 per cent to 69 from 44 last year.
Police suspect a wide range of contributing factors are behind this year’s fatal collisions, including excessive or inappropriate speed, impaired driving, seatbelt non-compliance, distraction and disobeying traffic signs, and unauthorised driving which includes being suspended, disqualified or unlicensed.
These behaviours will be a key focus for police over the King’s Birthday long weekend, identified as a high-risk period on Victorian roads.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing, Martin O’Brien, said that long weekends are historically high risk on our roads, and the King’s Birthday long weekend can present additional challenges. Wintery weather can also increase the likelihood of a collision, with slippery roads and poor visibility.
“Whether you’re travelling across the state this weekend or heading to the alpine regions, please take extra care on the roads and be sure to drive to the conditions,” he said.
“We’re approaching the halfway point of the year and the amount of trauma on our roads is alarming – it’s been 15 years since we had this many lives lost at this point of the year.
“We are now at a critical point as to whether we can turn this year around and reduce road trauma – we are doing everything we can, but police cannot do it alone.
“Everyone has a responsibility on the road, and everyone must make safety their number one priority when getting behind the wheel.
“So many of this year’s fatal collisions could have been avoided – it is simple mistakes like creeping over the speed limit, being distracted and failing to buckle up that we’re seeing result in catastrophic consequences.”
Police will target major arterials and highways leading to the state’s holiday hotspots and alpine regions, with Victoria’s snow season officially launching this weekend.
Motorists heading to the snow are being urged to monitor the conditions prior to travelling and ensure they’re carrying and using appropriate wheel chains as legally required.
With several events and festivals scheduled across the weekend, police are also reminding motorists to avoid driving whilst impaired, with widespread drug and alcohol testing to be conducted.
Last year, police issued more than 5000 infringements during Operation Regal – more than 40 per cent were motorists detected speeding and 372 were detected for drink and drug driving offences.
Operation Regal commenced at 12:01am on Friday, June 9 and will conclude at 23:59pm on Monday, June 12, 2023.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
