Safety in the snowfields

A WARNING has gone out from first responders for visitors to the high country over winter to take extra care when venturing out on hikes and backroads.

Over the King’s Birthday weekend Police, SES, CFA and Parks Victoria rescued two hikers, and a number of drivers stranded in unexpected snow at Mount Hotham.

Two hikers became stranded at Wonnangatta walking track after camping overnight. At that time the roads into the back country were not closed to traffic and the heavy snow falls were unexpected.

Police, with the assistance of Parks Victoria were able to walk the hiking pair out successfully.

A further 13 people were rescued after six cars became stuck due to heavy snowfall on Blue Rag Track and Dargo High Plains Road.

This included a man aged in his 40s who was treated for minor injuries after his vehicle rolled.

Police are urging people to heed weather warnings, monitor conditions and ensure their vehicles are appropriately equipped for the conditions.

Those planning a snow trip, particularly day-trippers, are urged to familiarise themselves with alpine road rules and conditions, and ensure they have a backup plan in place should the weather change or access be restricted.

Also it is important to dress appropriately - the sun may be shining but weather tends to turn quite quickly in the mountains and hikers in particular can be caught without sufficient warm clothing.

Snow-goers are warned to obey road closure signs and urge anyone that may have immediate concerns for anybody stranded in the area to call Triple Zero (000).

And the warnings from Police are to drive to conditions - especially driving the main highways, don't get impatient with drivers in front of you, heed to the white lines down the centre of the road, do not cross double white lines, do not overtake when not safe and most importantly do not speed - when roads are slippery take off 5-10kms.

**

A TRAGIC vehicle collision in Merrijig on Tuesday night (10 June) which left one dead with three others transported to hospital.

Victoria Police's Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the fatal two-vehicle collision which involved the visitors from Melbourne.

It is understood a Kia station wagon and a Mitsubishi Triton ute collided on Mt Buller Road, near Mimosa Drive, about 9.20pm.

Police confirmed sadly, a 48-year-old Cremorne woman, who was a rear passenger in the ute, died at the scene.

The other rear passenger, a 32-year-old St Kilda man, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries

The driver, a 22-year-old St Kilda man, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The sole occupant of the Kia, a 25-year-old Rowville man, was airlifted to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

It is expected he will be interviewed at a later date in relation to the incident.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au