By KATRINA BRANDON
MAJOR Collision Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information after a man was found deceased on the side of the road in Morwell yesterday morning (May 22).
From 1am to 9am, police believe that a 40-year-old man from Traralgon was struck by a vehicle, which then left the scene. Police were notified just before 9am as a passerby located the man’s body on the Princes Freeway overpass.
Detectives are appealing to motorists who were travelling Traralgon-bound on the Princes Freeway during this time to check their dashcams as they may have inadvertently captured the man as he was walking in the area or the vehicle involved.
Detective Sergeant Mark Amos from the Major Collision Investigation Unit told the Express that while they aren’t 100 per cent sure what type of vehicle they are looking for, they said a heavy vehicle could fit the description.
“We don’t know 100 per cent what sort of car, possibly a heavy vehicle, truck, of some description, but we need to look at the debris we’ve found at the scene,” he said.
“We need to compare that to any of the vehicles we may be of interest to us, and then be able to establish and link that vehicle back to the scene.
“A 40-year-old man from Traralgon has lost his life on the side of the freeway and has essentially been left there for eight hours. We’ve notified his family, he’s a son, he’s a partner, he’s a father, and he’s lost his life on the side of the freeway at this point.
“If there’s anything that they think might be of interest to us, let us know. Please tell us, because what seems insignificant to one is critically important to us. In the big jigsaw puzzle, we’re going to try to put it back together.
“Obviously, in the dark, you didn’t realise you still come and tell us, come and talk to me. I’m all ears. I want to hear your story, and then we’ll work it out from there. We’ll put it together and see where we’re and where we’re at. This isn’t a finger exercise, and pointing the finger at the moment. This is an exercise in working out what happened.”
According to Detective Sergeant Amos, the 40-year-old man appeared to be wearing dark clothing.
Detectives from MCIU were on scene for most of the day while they processed the scene.
Anyone with any information, or dashcam footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
For the current provisional lives lost tally, go to https://www.police.vic.gov.au/road-safety
