Truganina freeway crash: Tragedy as driver, 23, pulls over after prang and is mowed down and killed by a truck
By Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia[1]
Published: 23:07, 20 December 2023 | Updated: 23:09, 20 December 2023
A truck driver who mowed down a Melbourne[2] man on a busy highway may not have realised they hit and killed the 23-year-old.
Bikram Jit was on his way from the gym about 11.30pm on Monday night when his Range Rove r veered into barriers on the Western Freeway at Truganina, in the city’s west.
Daily Mail Australia understands the Thorn Hill Park man had gotten out of his damaged car and was standing in the middle of the freeway when he was struck by a passing truck, which didn’t stop.
Police have launched a urgent appeal to find the truck driver – acknowledging he or she may have been unaware they had struck and killed someone.
Bikram Jit, 23, (pictured) was on his way home from a late night gym session when he struck and killed by a truck in a suspected hit and run
A female motorist who swerved to avoid hitting Mr Jit called police.
‘It looks like a vehicle following her may have impacted that person,’ Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said.
‘We’ve got to understand that [the driver] may not know they’ve struck someone.’
Mr Jit’s damaged Range Rover was taken from the scene on Tuesday as the major crash unit launched an investigation.
Detectives continue to work through the circumstances surrounding the crash and have launched a public appeal to identify vehicles travelling through the area at the time.
Two trucks were identified as being in the vicinity at the time of hit and run.
A truck driver believed to be a witness came forward to police on Tuesday.
‘The man’s truck was located in South Australia and the driver is currently speaking with South Australian officers, who are assisting detectives,’ a police statement read.
Bikram Jit (pictured) has been remembered as a hard worker with a big heart
Police urged the second truck driver to come forward.
Mr Jit’s death a week out from Christmas sparked an outpouring of tributes.
His family described him as a hard worker with a big heart, Nine News reported.
Police have pleaded with motorists to take care on the roads ahead of the festive season.
Victoria’s road toll has risen to 287 — 53 more than at the same time last year.
Anyone who witnessed the Western Freeway crash or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Mr Jit was hit and killed moments after veering into rope barriers on the Western Freeway.
Pictured is his damaged Range Rover at the scene
MelbourneSouth Australia[3][4]
References
- ^ Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Melbourne (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Melbourne (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ South Australia (www.dailymail.co.uk)