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A man who was recently released from prison for dangerous driving is under police guard in hospital after a head-on smash in Victoria killed a 12-year-old girl and injured five others.
Mia Rossiter was killed after another car swerved onto the wrong side of the road and smashed into the car that was carrying her family along the Hamilton Highway at Stonehaven, near Geelong, last night.
The family's car burst into flames, killing Mia and leaving her parents and younger sister recovering from serious injuries in hospital.
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Mia had been travelling home to Lismore with her parents Paul and Danni and little sister Willow.
Police said the crash occurred when a Holden Berlina, driven by a 28-year-old man, swerved onto the opposite side of the highway before colliding with the family's car.
An off duty nurse who witnessed the smash helped the family out of the wreck and said Mia managed to get out but collapsed and never regained consciousness.
Police are investigating reports the driver was seen driving erratically, including speeding and overtaking other motorists, in the lead-up to the collision.
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9News understands the driver was released from prison recently after stealing a Mercedes while high on ice.
He is currently in hospital in a stable condition under police guard, while his 21-year-old passenger was at the Alfred hospital with serious injuries.
Mia's parents suffered serious injuries and remained in hospital.
Willow was taken to hospital with critical injuries, including internal bleeding, but is now understood to be in a stable condition.
No charges have been laid.
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The Hamilton Highway was reopened this morning.
Witnesses described hearing an "awful sound" at the time of the crash.
Nearby resident Gordon Rough said the area was a hotspot for car crashes.
"We have it too often in this area, people drive across double white lines and hit oncoming traffic," he said.
"This is the second fatality we've had in two and a half years and probably the 13th accident we've had in 30 years.
"The noise is nothing more than a deep thud and it's, you can't replicate it, it's just car hitting car."
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
