General News
13 August, 2025
Collision sparks highway blaze
Sleeping Dimboola locals were jolted awake after explosions from an incident on the Western Highway echoed throughout the town, shaking nearby residences in the early hours of Sunday, August 10.
Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and at least 15 CFA units responded to a two-truck collision on the popular interstate highway near the Lochiel overpass in Dimboola at 7.20am.
Wimmera Mallee News understands both vehicles caught fire as a result of the crash, with the quick thinking of one driver preventing the blaze from spreading into nearby paddocks.
Benjamin Jones, who lives close to the impact site, said after he heard the explosion, he immediately ran outside.
"I saw a plume of black smoke, so I jumped in my car and went to see if I could help with anything," he said.
"When I got there, there were small explosions, and the truck was fully engulfed in flames.
"I kept on talking with the driver who escaped with minor injuries, making sure he was okay."
Mr Jones managed to take a video of the truck engulfed in flames, which soon circulated on the internet, with the Dimboola Banner reposting the video.
"This shook the house with massive explosions," Karol Dalitz Gravestocks commented.
Costa Di Biase said, "Felt like something had fallen on the roof".
Many were "thankful" that the drivers were okay.
"A reminder to the guys on roads to take it easy, lucky that no one was badly injured," Tracey Smith commented.
Paramedics treated and transported one male truck driver to Grampians Health in Horsham with minor upper body injuries; the driver of the other truck was not injured.
Police are investigating the cause of the collision, and anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Significant delays affected traffic in both directions, with the highway closed between Dimboola-Rainbow Road and the Borung Highway.
Traffic was diverted through Dimboola down Lloyd Street and Borung Highway (Warracknabeal road).
- WITH CAITLIN MENADUE