BERWICK, Victoria — A multi-vehicle collision on the Princes Freeway in Berwick has prompted a police investigation after witnesses reportedly stopped a man who attempted to leave the crash scene on Saturday morning, September 5, 2026.
Victoria Police said officers from Casey Highway Patrol attended the scene after multiple calls to Triple Zero (000) about an allegedly erratic driver who was reportedly speeding and weaving between lanes shortly before the crash.
The collision involved a white 2025 Peugeot, a Ford Focus and a Mazda CX-9. A 72-year-old woman who was travelling as a passenger in the Ford Focus was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
The driver of the Peugeot, a 34-year-old man from Pascoe Vale, was later interviewed by police and released pending further inquiries.
Investigators are now appealing to witnesses and motorists who may have dashcam or CCTV footage that could help establish what happened before and during the collision.
What Happened in the Berwick Accident Today?
The incident occurred on the Princes Freeway in Berwick at about 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
According to Victoria Police, emergency services were called after several members of the public reported seeing a vehicle being driven erratically.
Police allege that the white Peugeot was travelling at speed and weaving across lanes before it moved into the inbound emergency lane.
The vehicle then crashed into a barrier.
After striking the barrier, the Peugeot collided with two other vehicles — a Ford Focus and a Mazda CX-9.
The multiple-vehicle collision caused significant disruption and prompted emergency crews and police to attend the freeway.
Investigators are now working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash, including the events immediately before the Peugeot entered the emergency lane.
72-Year-Old Woman Critically Injured
One of the most serious consequences of the Berwick collision involved a 72-year-old woman travelling in the Ford Focus.
The woman was a passenger in the vehicle and was taken to hospital following the crash.
Victoria Police said she remains in critical condition.
Her injuries have made the investigation particularly serious, with detectives seeking additional information from anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the Peugeot before the crash.
The 83-year-old man driving the Ford Focus was reportedly not injured.
Police also said the occupants of the Mazda CX-9 escaped injury.
Witnesses Step In After Driver Attempts to Leave
The circumstances following the crash have also attracted attention.
According to police, the 34-year-old Peugeot driver was seen attempting to collect belongings from the damaged vehicle.
He then reportedly tried to leave the scene.
Passersby intervened and stopped him from leaving before police arrived and dealt with the situation.
Victoria Police said officers later interviewed the man, who is from Pascoe Vale.
He has since been released pending further inquiries, meaning no final conclusions about potential charges or responsibility have been announced at this stage.
The actions of the witnesses have become an important part of the early account of the incident. Their intervention ensured that the driver remained at or near the scene while authorities investigated what had happened.
Police Investigate Alleged Erratic Driving
Casey Highway Patrol officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Police allege that the Peugeot driver was travelling erratically before the crash, with motorists reportedly calling Triple Zero to report speeding and weaving between lanes.
However, these are allegations forming part of an ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not publicly established the reason for the driver’s reported behaviour, and it would be premature to speculate about whether alcohol, drugs, fatigue, a medical issue, distraction or another factor contributed to the incident.
Investigators will need to examine available evidence before determining what led to the collision.
That evidence could include dashcam footage, CCTV, eyewitness accounts, vehicle examinations and other information gathered during the investigation.
Vehicles Involved in the Berwick Collision
The crash involved three vehicles.
2025 White Peugeot
The Peugeot was reportedly being driven by a 34-year-old man from Pascoe Vale.
Police allege the vehicle was travelling erratically before entering the inbound emergency lane and crashing into a barrier.
The Peugeot then struck two other vehicles.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus was occupied by an 83-year-old driver and a 72-year-old female passenger.
The woman was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
The male driver was not injured, according to Victoria Police.
Mazda CX-9
The third vehicle involved was a Mazda CX-9.
Police said its occupants were not injured.
The collision nevertheless resulted in significant damage and required emergency services to attend the freeway.
Berwick Accident Today: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, September 5, 2026 |
| Location | Princes Freeway, Berwick, Victoria |
| Approximate Time | About 11 a.m. |
| Incident | Multi-vehicle collision |
| Vehicles | White Peugeot, Ford Focus and Mazda CX-9 |
| Peugeot Driver | 34-year-old man from Pascoe Vale |
| Ford Driver | 83-year-old man |
| Ford Passenger | 72-year-old woman |
| Ford Passenger’s Condition | Critical |
| Ford Driver’s Condition | Uninjured |
| Mazda Occupants | Uninjured |
| Police Unit | Casey Highway Patrol |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
| Driver’s Status | Interviewed and released pending further inquiries |
| Witness Appeal | Yes |
Police Seek Dashcam and CCTV Footage
Investigators are particularly interested in footage showing the Peugeot before the crash.
Victoria Police has appealed to anyone who may have captured the vehicle on a dashcam, CCTV system or other recording.
This footage could be important because it may help investigators establish the vehicle’s movements before it entered the emergency lane.
Police are also seeking people who witnessed the collision itself.
Members of the public who were travelling along the Princes Freeway around the time of the incident may have seen the Peugeot, the moments leading up to the crash or what happened immediately afterward.
Anyone with relevant information or footage is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
Investigation Into the Berwick Crash Continues
The investigation remains ongoing.
At this stage, police have released preliminary information about the alleged driving behaviour and the sequence of the collision, but investigators have not announced a final explanation for what caused the crash.
The fact that the Peugeot allegedly travelled into the emergency lane before striking a barrier and two vehicles is a significant part of the investigation.
However, the reason for that manoeuvre has not been established publicly.
Authorities will continue examining the evidence before deciding whether charges will be laid.
The 34-year-old driver has been released pending further inquiries, so any future legal action will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
The Impact on Those Involved
The crash has left one woman critically injured and affected several other motorists and passengers.
For the 72-year-old woman in hospital, the immediate priority remains medical treatment and recovery.
Her family and loved ones are likely to be facing an extremely difficult period while waiting for further updates on her condition.
The 83-year-old Ford driver and the occupants of the Mazda were fortunate to avoid reported physical injuries, but serious crashes can have effects that extend beyond visible injuries.
Witnesses who saw the collision or its aftermath may also have been shaken by what they encountered.
The incident demonstrates how quickly conditions on a major freeway can change and how a single vehicle can become involved in a chain-reaction collision involving multiple motorists.
Berwick Princes Freeway Crash Causes Concern
The Princes Freeway is a major transport route carrying large numbers of vehicles through Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
A collision involving multiple vehicles can create substantial disruption, particularly when emergency services need to secure the scene and investigators need access to the roadway.
The Berwick incident has also highlighted the importance of reporting dangerous or erratic driving when motorists encounter it.
In this case, police said multiple members of the public contacted Triple Zero after allegedly seeing the Peugeot speeding and weaving across lanes before the crash.
Those early reports may now form part of the broader investigation into what happened.
What Drivers Should Do After Seeing Dangerous Driving
The incident is also a reminder of the importance of road safety.
Drivers who encounter a vehicle being driven dangerously should avoid confronting the driver themselves.
Instead, motorists should maintain a safe distance, avoid unnecessary interaction and contact emergency services when there is an immediate danger to road users.
Dashcam footage can also be useful to authorities investigating dangerous driving or crashes.
However, drivers should never operate a phone or camera in a way that creates an additional safety risk.
The safest response is always to prioritize getting away from danger rather than attempting to record an incident.
What Happens Next?
Casey Highway Patrol will continue investigating the Berwick collision.
Investigators are expected to review witness accounts, dashcam and CCTV footage, vehicle evidence and other available information.
The condition of the critically injured woman may also remain an important part of the developing investigation.
Any decision regarding charges will depend on the evidence gathered by police.
For now, the 34-year-old man involved has been interviewed and released while inquiries continue.
Berwick Accident Today: Latest Update
The latest information from Victoria Police confirms that the Berwick collision involved a white 2025 Peugeot, a Ford Focus and a Mazda CX-9.
Police allege that the Peugeot was being driven erratically before entering the inbound emergency lane, striking a barrier and then colliding with the two other vehicles.
A 72-year-old woman travelling in the Ford Focus was critically injured and remains in hospital.
The Ford’s 83-year-old driver and the occupants of the Mazda were not injured.
The 34-year-old Peugeot driver from Pascoe Vale was interviewed and released pending further inquiries after witnesses reportedly stopped him when he attempted to leave the crash scene.
Police are continuing to seek witnesses and dashcam footage that could help establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Conclusion
The Berwick accident today has prompted a police investigation after a multi-vehicle collision on the Princes Freeway left a 72-year-old woman critically injured and resulted in witnesses intervening when the alleged driver of the Peugeot attempted to leave the scene.
The crash occurred at about 11 a.m. after motorists reportedly contacted Triple Zero about an erratic vehicle.
Police allege the white Peugeot was speeding and weaving across lanes before entering the inbound emergency lane, striking a barrier and then hitting a Ford Focus and Mazda CX-9.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced a final cause or any charges.
Anyone who witnessed the collision, saw the Peugeot before the crash or has relevant dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria.
Drivers are reminded to exercise caution around emergency scenes, follow police directions and avoid interfering with investigations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by Victoria Police on September 5, 2026. Allegations concerning driving behaviour remain subject to investigation, and the circumstances of the collision may be updated as further evidence becomes available.