MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: A dramatic dashcam video has captured the moment a car travelling the wrong way on Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge slammed into a rideshare vehicle carrying six people, narrowly avoiding what police say could have been a catastrophic head-on collision.
Despite the violent impact, all six occupants of the rideshare vehicle escaped without serious injuries, with authorities describing the outcome as nothing short of miraculous.
Where Did the Crash Happen?
The crash occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Sunday after a Subaru Outback travelled through Melbourne’s Burnley Tunnel before entering the Bolte Bridge in the wrong direction.
Police said the vehicle collided with a Kia Sorento operating as a rideshare vehicle that was travelling lawfully with a driver and five passengers onboard.
What Happened?
According to Victoria Police, the Subaru was travelling against traffic when it reached the Bolte Bridge and crashed into the oncoming rideshare vehicle.
Dashcam footage shows the Subaru clipping the passenger side of the Kia before narrowly missing another vehicle moments later.
The force of the impact pushed the Kia into the bridge barrier, causing significant damage.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of the collision.
Miracle Escape for Six Occupants
Remarkably, no one was injured despite the severity of the crash.
Audio captured on the dashcam recorded shaken occupants checking whether everyone inside the vehicle was safe immediately after the collision.
Paramedics assessed those involved at the scene, but no hospitalisations were required.
Rideshare Driver Recalls Horror Moment
The rideshare driver, Mark, said he was transporting five passengers home to Toorak from Melbourne Airport when the crash unfolded.
Speaking after the incident, he said the wrong-way vehicle suddenly appeared while he was entering the Burnley Tunnel route.
“That’s when the other car just came speeding up the ramp there, but the wrong way.”
Mark said the impact tore the rear tyre off his vehicle, sending it more than 100 metres down the road.
“Even the police last night said it could have been a lot worse. It’s just frightening.”
Despite the damage, he managed to regain control and bring the vehicle to a stop.
Woman Charged
Victoria Police have charged a 51-year-old woman from Rye, on the Mornington Peninsula, over the incident.
She faces multiple offences, including:
- Reckless conduct endangering life
- Possessing a drug of dependence
- Various traffic-related offences
The woman has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Another Man Arrested
Police also arrested a 60-year-old man from Rye in connection with the incident.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding his alleged involvement, and investigations remain ongoing.
What Police Are Saying
Investigators confirmed the Subaru involved in the crash had not been reported stolen.
Police are continuing to examine the circumstances leading to the wrong-way driving and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the Burnley Tunnel or Bolte Bridge around the time of the crash to come forward.
