PEOPLE tried in vain to save a man trapped inside a car after a horrific accident.
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The driver lost control on the Chiltern Valley Road about 3.15pm on Thursday.
The man’s vehicle appeared to have travelled into dirt on the wrong side of the road, before veering off the left side of the road.
The car hit a tree and caught alight.
The driver was trapped inside and died at the scene.
Acting Sergeant Mark Paynter said people ran to the scene and tried to assist, but were forced back by the heat of the flames.
“Any collision is horrific, especially for the witnesses involved,” he said.
“Initially there were witnesses who tried to help the person out of the car, (which) caught fire.
“The heat was too intense.
“They had to retreat back.”
The incident caused severe damage to the car, which appeared to have rolled onto its roof.
Investigators took measurements of road markings in a bid to determine what had occurred.
The crash occurred near Mantelli Road, with the driver travelling south before the collision.
The male driver, who was the only occupant, had not been identified by Thursday afternoon.
“It appears the car has hit the right-hand side of the road,” Acting Sergeant Paynter said.
“Early indications are it lost control, slid to the other side and collided with the tree.”
He said those who attended after the crash were shaken but holding up well.
They have been directed to support services.
Acting Sergeant Paynter said no-one had seen the crash.
“There were no witnesses to the actual collision,” he said. “They’ve arrived afterwards.”
Acting Sergeant Paynter said fatigue and light could be a factor in crashes at that time of day.
“Don’t be complacent on country roads,” he said.
The incident brought the statewide road toll to 151, down from 179 to the same time last year.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.