General News
23 June, 2026
Bendigo man airlifted after speeding to rollover near St Arnaud
Police are reminding drivers to take the conditions into consideration when travelling following a high-speed crash last week.
A MAN has been airlifted to hospital after the young driver failed to drive to wet conditions, ending in a crash late last week.
St Arnaud police said they found a red ute travelling at around 164km/h on Banyena Road, west of St Arnaud on Friday evening.
They attempted to stop the driver, but soon after his failure to stop, they began receiving Triple Zero calls to a crash in the area.
The calls reported a single-vehicle rollover near the intersection of Banyena Road and Donald–Stawell Road.
Upon arrival, police found the vehicle in a paddock, with a 23-year-old Bendigo man - who was a probationary (P-plate) driver - trapped and seriously injured inside the unregistered vehicle.
At the time, the road surface was wet, and it is alleged the vehicle was travelling at excessive speed when it left the road.
Emergency services including police, CFA, SES, and Ambulance Victoria attended the scene.
The driver was pulled from the vehicle and, after being stabilised by paramedics, was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital by air ambulance.
The driver remains in hospital and is expected to face a number of serious driving-related charges, including speeding, dangerous driving and failing to stop when directed by police. Further charges are expected.
Police are warning drivers to drive to the conditions.
"Excessive speed significantly reduces your ability to control a vehicle, especially on wet roads, and greatly increases the risk of serious injury or death," they said.
"This incident serves as a clear reminder that failing to stop for police and driving at dangerous speeds puts not only the driver at risk, but also passengers, emergency services and the wider community."
Read More: St Arnaud