Two women have died in a tragic collision on a busy Melbourne freeway after police believe they stopped to help an injured kangaroo.
Emergency services were called to the M31 Hume Freeway at Craigieburn, in the city’s north, just after 7.30pm on Thursday, following reports of a serious crash.
Detectives say it appears the pair had pulled over on the side of the road to render assistance to the animal when they were struck by a passing vehicle.
A 30-year-old woman from Beveridge was pronounced dead at the scene, while another woman, also aged 30 and from Thomastown, was flown to the hospital in a critical condition.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, she died shortly after arrival.
The driver of the vehicle, who stopped immediately after the crash, is assisting police. Authorities have praised the driver for remaining at the scene while investigations continue.
Police have confirmed the exact circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, including how the women came to be on the roadway and the moments leading up to the fatal crash.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with investigators describing it as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of stopping on major highways.
