A man remains in hospital under police guard following a fatal collision in Footscray this morning.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, between a stolen truck and a car, at the intersection of Ballarat Road and Moore Street about 4.30am.
The white Nissan truck first came to police attention around 3am following reports the stolen truck was seen in Beveridge around 2.30am.
Officers responded and the Air Wing was called in as further information was received that the truck was now in Truganina.
Police spotted the truck and attempted to intercept the vehicle in Truganina, in the vicinity of Peterpaul Way and Schembri Drive, when the driver sped off.
The Air Wing assisted police units on the ground during our response as stop sticks were deployed on several occasions but were unsuccessful.
Detectives believe the truck was travelling west on Ballarat Road when it ran a red light and collided with a 2011 Toyota corolla which was turning right from Ballarat Road into Moore Street.
Sadly, the male driver of the sedan, who is yet to be formally identify, died at the scene.
The driver of the truck, a 40-year-old Deer Park man, was arrested at the scene and was taken to hospital under police guard.
During the police response and following observations, the driver of the truck:
• was involved in a non-injury collision with another vehicle,
• continued to drive at speed, and
• at times on the wrong side of the road, and
• through several red lights - the Special Operations Group was called.
The collision occurred as they were responding and headed to the scene.
From our enquiries at this stage, it appears the truck was initially stolen on January 3 from the Kalkallo area before it was found in Derrimut and the owner contacted on January 5.
The truck it appears was then re-stolen from Derrimut.
As the collision occurred while police were in pursuit of the vehicle Professional Standards Command will have oversight of the Major Collision Investigation Unit investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or with footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
