Motorcyclist injured in high-speed crash

    Police attend the accident scene at Woodend on Wednesday.

    A motorcyclist riding a stolen bike was hospitalised with serious injuries after he crashed into a pole at a level crossing in Woodend yesterday.

    The disqualified male rider, a 30-year-old male from Pyalong, was riding east on Tylden-Woodend Road about 2pm when he lost control of the motorcycle and struck a level crossing warning light pole, splitting the bike in two.

    The rider was thrown some distance from the initial impact point landing near the southbound railway tracks.

    V/Line trains were delayed due to the collision scene.

    The rider was airlifted from the scene with multiple fractures and internal injuries and remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

    The matter is currently under police investigation with speed and impairment being a major contributing factor to the collision.

    The rider is to be charged with multiple traffic and crime-related offences.

    “Motorcycle excessive speed and rider inexperience are still key drivers of motorcycle road trauma,” said Sergeant Justin Embleton-Smith of Gisborne Police.

    “Police within the Macedon Ranges will be engaged in road policing throughout the area to influence rider/driver behaviours.”