28/06/2025
A major crash involving 12 vehicles shut down the Western Freeway near Gordon early Thursday morning after drivers unknowingly hit black ice – and now the finger’s pointing straight at the Victorian government.
A 59-year-old man was airlifted to Melbourne in serious condition, while others were taken to Ballarat Base Hospital with minor injuries.
The chaos began around 6:10am, when several vehicles slid out on a hidden sheet of ice between Ballan and Ballarat, triggering a chain-reaction smash.
Emergency services swarmed the scene, closing westbound lanes between Gordon and Wallace. All lanes reopened just after 8:30am – but not before locals began sounding off.
According to multiple commenters, the ice warning lights weren’t even switched on.
“No money to replace the globes or sensors,” one wrote. Another added, “Same as the speed advisory signs – turned off due to no funds for calibration or maintenance. Victoria is finished.”
The lack of basic safety systems working during peak winter conditions has sparked fury online. “If that’s true, we need answers from this derelict government,” one person wrote.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed four people were assessed at the scene, with one flown out and others taken by road. Firefighters attended but weren’t required to assist directly.
VicTraffic blamed black ice and reminded drivers to slow down and keep distance – but many argue that’s cold comfort when the infrastructure meant to warn people wasn’t even functioning.
With the state already copping criticism for budget blowouts and rising debt, this crash has only fueled public anger over what many now see as neglect.
As one commenter bluntly put it: “Thanks to Labor, we’ve got plenty of speed cameras – but no working ice warnings.”
