Reporting from 7NEWS Australia: a shooting on a Melbourne freeway's approach has left two people fighting for life after a dramatic crash in the city's north. This on-the-ground update comes from Epping, where emergency services and police have established a large, multi-part crime scene beneath the Hume Freeway.
Table of Contents
- What happened — a timeline
- Victims and injuries
- Possible getaway vehicle and the burnt hatchback
- Police response and road closures
- What investigators are focusing on
- Community impact
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Closing
What happened — a timeline
Shortly before dawn, police responded to reports on Cooper Street, under the Hume Freeway in Epping. When officers arrived they found a Toyota ute had collided with the rear of a semi-trailer. The vehicle's occupants were seriously injured.
As crews were treating the occupants of that vehicle, they were alerted to a separate vehicle ablaze a few hundred metres away — a white Mercedes hatchback that was later removed from the scene, fully burnt out. Investigators are treating multiple locations as part of one major crime scene.
"A man and a woman are fighting for life in Melbourne after a shooting led to a major car crash in the city's north."
Victims and injuries
Police say the Toyota contained two people:
- A 23-year-old man who sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital.
- An 18-year-old woman who suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash and was also transported to hospital.
Authorities have not released the victims' identities and continue to treat their conditions as critical. At this stage police are balancing both a criminal investigation and the medical needs of those involved.
Possible getaway vehicle and the burnt hatchback
The white Mercedes hatchback found burning a short distance from the crash has prompted questions about whether it was used as a getaway vehicle and then deliberately torched.
"That car burnt out, and the investigation continues as to whether that was used as some sort of getaway vehicle and then torched in the process."
Forensic teams will examine the vehicle for evidence, including any links to the occupants of the Toyota, ballistic evidence, or traces that confirm whether it was intentionally set on fire.
Police response and road closures
Investigators cordoned off a significant area with multiple scene locations spread along Cooper Street and adjoining approaches under the Hume Freeway. The scene remained closed to the public for several hours while police processed evidence.
Only eight hours after the incident did authorities begin reopening Cooper Street — easing early-morning traffic — although some closures remained in place as inquiries continued.
"So Cooper Street is just literally in the past few seconds opened up, which will, help early morning traffic this morning."
What investigators are focusing on
- Determining the sequence of events: whether shots were fired before the crash or as part of a wider confrontation.
- Forensic analysis of both the Toyota ute and the burnt Mercedes to establish connections between the vehicles.
- Ballistics testing and any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area to identify suspects or corroborate witness accounts.
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses who were in the vicinity at the time.
Community impact
Incidents of this nature create immediate safety concerns for nearby residents and motorists. Local traffic was disrupted during the police operation and motorists were advised to avoid the area until roads reopened. Police made clear they are treating the incident as a shooting and continue to appeal for any information from the public.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Have the victims been identified?
Authorities have only released the ages: a 23-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman. No names have been made public while investigations and hospital processes continue.
Have any arrests been made?
At the time of this report no arrests were confirmed on scene. Police remain on site and are continuing their inquiries.
Was the burnt Mercedes definitely a getaway car?
Investigators are examining that possibility. The car was found burnt out a few hundred metres from the crash and will undergo forensic testing to determine if it was used in the incident and whether the fire was deliberate.
Where exactly did this occur?
The incident occurred on Cooper Street, under the Hume Freeway, in the suburb of Epping, Melbourne.
Where can I get updates?
Updates will be issued by police and local news outlets. Keep an eye on official Victoria Police media releases and local broadcasters for confirmed information as the investigation progresses.
Closing
This remains an active investigation. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We will continue to follow official updates as police release more information and as forensic work and inquiries progress in Epping.
