The identity of a senior police officer killed in a tragic head-on crash has been identified.
Victoria Police Senior Constable Bria Joyce died in the fatal collision, which occurred about 9.55pm on Friday in the regional Victorian town of Red Cliffs, about 16km south of Mildura.
Police say the crash took place along Kulkyne Way when a driver lost control of his Nissan Navara ute and collided with an unmarked police car travelling in the opposite direction while on patrol.
The 23-year-old malexjmtzyw driver of the ute also died in the crash horrific crash.
A third car driving behind the police car then slammed into the back of the vehicle. Inside were three young children and an adult passenger.
Constable Joyce, 25, died at the scene while her colleague, 43, was flown to hospital in a critical condition.
He has since been transferred to Melbourne Royal Hospital where he remains fighting for his life.
The driver of the third car and their child passenger were also taken to hospital for assessment after sustaining minor injuries.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said there was nothing “untoward” in the “tragic” incident and no pursuit was involved.
“No one expects to go to work and not come home,” he said.
“They were simply going about their job their job, patrolling in what they would have considered to be a routine role thousands of times.
“Our hearts go out to all of those family and friends of all deceased persons … and our police colleagues.
“Attending a fatal collision is difficult thing for any police officer to do but when you're actually attending the scene of a colleague in a close, tight community it makes it especially difficult and we’ll make sure we true to provide as much support to our officers.”
The Chief Commissioner said the male leading senior constable had been on the force for 21 years and was very highly thought of by his colleagues.
Ms Joyce, who had been on the job for six years, was described as being highly respected and competent.
“You come at a loss of words to describe this,” Commissioner Patton said.
“It’s an absolute tragedy and absolutely heartbreaking.”
Crash investigators are still working to determine the exact circumstances.
The road was closed overnight as detectives processed the scene and was expected to remain shut for some time.
The coroner has been notified.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has dashcam footage, is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
