Bryce Eishold
A motorcyclist has died following a collision on the Strzelecki Highway near Mirboo North shortly before 11am on Sunday.
Police said the 57-year-old Drouin man was traveling north-east on the highway when he crashed into the rear of a red Mitsubishi sedan waiting to turn onto Darlimurla Road.
Investigators said the motorcycle then collided with a white Toyota four-wheel-drive which was travelling in the opposite direction.
The driver of the first vehicle and the female driver and male passenger of the second vehicle were not injured, police said, however, the rider died at the scene.
People with dash cam footage or those who witnessed the collision are asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Latrobe Highway Patrol on 5128 1100.
The Strzelecki Highway between Mirboo North and Creamery Road was closed for several hours during the incident.
There were lengthy delays during the Mirboo North Italian Festa, with drivers heading to Morwell diverted via Boolarra.
Driving while disqualified
A man’s vehicle has been impounded after he was caught allegedly driving while disqualified last week.
Latrobe Highway Patrol caught the man driving along the Princes Freeway at Moe about 8am on Thursday.
When police pulled over the 25-year-old Pakenham man, a licence check revealed he had been driving while disqualified.
His black Kia sedan was impounded for 30 days and he will face court on summons, charged with driving while suspended, at a later date.
Cyclist injured
A 13-year-old cyclist received minor injuries after he was struck by a car on Burns Street, Traralgon about 3.30pm on Thursday.
Police said the boy was wearing headphones and was “possibly distracted” by an electronic device when the collision occurred.
Investigators said the driver of the vehicle was not at fault.
“It’s a reminder for anyone using the roads, whether in a car, motorcycle or bicycle, to remain alert and free from distraction,” Traralgon Acting Sergeant Andrew Purcell said.
Fire update
A fire which started 6.7 kilometres north east of Walhalla has not yet been brought under control.
The 8761-hectare blaze remains within control lines.
Emergency services have issued an advice message for Coopers Creek, Cowwar Weir, Dawson, Erica, Glengarry, Glenmaggie, Moondarra, Rawson, Seaton, Toongabbie, Traralgon, Walhalla, Walhalla East and Yallourn North.
Walhalla Road remains closed between Thomson Dam Access Road and Cricket Ground Track.
Walhalla can be accessed from the south, however there are speed restrictions on this road. All walking tracks off Walhalla Road are closed.
Another fire in Baw Baw, affecting Jericho, Swingler and Thomson, is also not yet under control but also remains within existing control lines.
Cooler weather and rain has lessened fire activity and the risk has been reduced.
However, authorities have issued an advice message for Walhalla, Baw Baw, Jericho, Swingler and Thomson and encourage community members to stay informed and monitor conditions.
Firefighters continue to patrol the area to bring the fire under control.
For more information, visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
