A WOMAN was killed when her car hit a tree stump near Wangaratta yesterday.
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The husband of the NSW driver suffered serious chest and leg injuries and was flown to Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The couple, believed to be aged in their 60s, were travelling north along the Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Road, about 16 kilometres from Wangaratta.
Their silver Mitsubishi left the road, ran up a one-metre embankment and slammed into a tree stump about 3.30pm.
Wangaratta Sen-Sgt Darren Wittingslow said the husband was “extremely lucky” to survive.
“The car has hit the stump with considerable force,” he said.
“The metal on the car has peeled right off.
“The female driver died at the scene.
“Her husband has sustained serious injuries but they are not life threatening.”
Police were still trying to contact family last night and did not release the couple’s names.
Traffic was diverted around the accident site and police are investigating what caused the car to leave the road.
“We will be looking at the usual suspects — fatigue, speed and mechanical faults,” Sen-Sgt Wittingslow said.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Meanwhile, Albury police attended two crashes yesterday.
CENTRAL ALBURY SMASH
The first occurred just before noon when a Mitsubishi Triton and a Ford sedan collided in central Albury.
The Mitsubishi, being driven south on David Street, hit the Ford, which was turning right into North Street.
A passenger in the Mitsubishi was treated at the scene.
RIVERINA HIGHWAY SMASH
Police and emergency services later attended a head-on collision on the Riverina Highway near the Bethanga Bridge about 3pm.
Five people suffered non life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital after the cars collided near the Pines swimming area.
Police said a Subaru carrying four elderly people drove on to the incorrect side of the road and collided with a vehicle travelling east, towards the Bethanga Bridge.
A woman, the only occupant in the other car, was taken to hospital to be treated for non life-threatening injuries.
Police said the driver of the Subaru was a US resident on holidays.
They will investigate why the driver was travelling on the wrong side of the road.
The crash closed the route to Bethanga and the highway was blocked in both directions at Lake Hume Village, with cars being turned around.
The highway was re-opened about 4.30pm.