URGENT UPDATE: Authorities are on the hunt for the driver of a white 2016 Audi Q5 SUV involved in a deadly hit-and-run incident that occurred on September 10, 20236:20 PM. The driver fled the scene after colliding with a male cyclist who was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries early Monday morning.
The tragic incident took place on Moreland Road, near Murdock Street and directly opposite the John Fawkner Private Hospital. Witnesses report that the cyclist was standing with his bike at the roadside when the vehicle struck him. Despite public appeals for information, the driver has yet to be identified.
Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit are urging anyone with information, particularly CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Officials believe the vehicle may show visible damage to its front and passenger side and was last seen heading west on Moreland Road towards the M2 CityLink tollway shortly after the collision.
This incident marks the second fatal accident on Moreland Road in just three months, raising alarm among local residents. In mid-May, a male skateboarder was also killed in a similar incident about one kilometer away from Sunday’s tragedy.
Residents and local officials, including Merri-bek Councillor Adam Pulford, have been vocal about the need for enhanced safety measures on Moreland Road. “The existing bike lanes are just paint on the road with nothing to separate cyclists from motor traffic,” Pulford stated. He emphasized that high traffic volumes and speeds create a dangerous environment for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Calls for traffic control improvements, such as new pedestrian crossings, have intensified in the community. Moreland Road is a crucial route to and from CityLink, featuring a speed limit of 60 km/h, which is significantly higher than surrounding roads.
In response to the growing concerns, the Coburg municipal offices will host a three-hour road safety discussion on September 13, 2023. The community is urged to participate and voice their concerns regarding road safety.
As police continue their investigation, the urgency to find the driver grows. This incident not only highlights the ongoing safety issues on Moreland Road but also serves as a stark reminder of the need for immediate action to protect vulnerable road users.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. Share this information widely to help bring justice for the victim and ensure road safety for all.
