The last moments of a 20-year-old man and his partner who died after their car plunged into a tree have been revealed in CCTV footage captured near the crash site.
Marcus Watson was driving his father’s BMW when he lost control of the vehicle while going around a bend on Clendon Rd, in Melbourne’s affluent suburb of Toorak, at about 8pm on Thursday night.
Both Mr Watson and his girlfriend died at the scene.
CCTV footage from a nearby home shows the car speeding down the street before an emergency vehicle rushes to the scene.
A Toorak resident who heard the collision described the crash site as “an inferno”.
“Heard a car speed by really fast, heard a bang, we all ran out, there was people everywhere,” she said.
“It was an inferno”.
On social media, Mr Watson’s sister, Gabby Watson shared an emotional tribute to her “baby brother”.
“My baby brother, I never said it enough, but I love you. You will always be my baby brother,” she wrote.
“My heart is broken and it can never be fixed. You are and always will be my world. Now and forever. I love you, Marcus Liam Watson. I am so proud to be your sister, 20 and forever young. I will honour your legacy.”
Victoria Police’s Acting Assistant Commissioner John Fitzpatrick said it was a “totally avoidable” tragedy.
“Now the tragedy here is that there are two families who are planning a funeral, instead of enjoying the long weekend,” he said.
54 people have died on Victorian roads this year, with police urging motorists to take care during the state’s Labour Day long weekend.
Victorian Police have warned drivers a larger than normal amount of unmarked and visible police will be patrolling metro and rural roads to deter people against speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Mr Fitzpatrick appealed for Victorians to do the right thing.
“There will also be a major police presence around music festivals and events taking place this weekend, so expect to be tested for alcohol and drugs,” he said.
“We could be anywhere, anytime this weekend. After a horrid 2023 it’s up to all of us to ensure we don’t see a repeat this year.”