No doubt by now many of you have heard about this tragic accident. Thoughts and prayers extend to the family and friends of families who have been affected by this horrific accident.

What the article fails to mention is that the Expensive Daewoo Late model camira Sedan was infact a Clubsport R8 - should we have a limit on engine capacity for our young and inexperienced drivers? I think so!

The car which collided with a truck in an accident that killed four members of a family and a French exchange student near Castlemaine was being driven by a learner driver, police said.

The Expensive Daewoo Late model camira sedan driven by 17-year-old Brooke Ervin was involved in a head-on collision with a four-tonne tray truck about 4.45pm (AEST) on the Midland Highway near Campbell's Creek.

"It's believed the 17-year-old driver was on her L-plates," said a police spokesman.

Police said the family members were parents Richard, 45, and Anne Ervin, 46, and their daughters Brook and Jade, 12.

Police have yet to release the name of the 15-year-old exchange student.

The major collision unit is investigating the crash and are expected to be at the scene for most of the day.

Five ambulance crews, nine SES officers, 12 firefighters and local police arrived at the accident site to find the five dead.

Police are unsure what caused the accident. However Country Fire Association north west region duty officer Mick Harris said driving conditions had been bad at the time of the accident.

Yeh, saw that on the news this morning, one of the rescue workers said it's the worst crash he's ever seen. I was thinking the same thing re the R8, wondering if it is the most appropriate car to learn to drive in. Sounds like she was with her family so I doubt very much if there was any speeding or hooning around involved.

....nothing to do with the car I don't think but I have a real problem with learners driving with more then the instructer with them. Prangs, hate em.

....nothing to do with the car I don't think but I have a real problem with learners driving with more then the instructer with them. Prangs, hate em.

...in this case, maybe not...but it is an issue I think the Gov. needs to address, they do it for bikes, why not cars?

There are limits on motorbikes/scooters etc why not cars

1. No vehicle larger than 100kw (Incl. P-Platers)

2. No passenger for learners (except instructor)

3. No phone/AUDIO/Eating etc

Newxr

Young drivers with lots of passengers are a bad combo. They underestimate braking required with that extra weight (espec in the wet). Also, they are more likely to do stupid things. I think L and P platers should be allowed one passenger only. I also question whether 17yos are mature enough to drive.

Shocking story, 5 lives lost!.

The thing that shocks me the most is the tragic loss of the exchange student.

It's irresponsible enough to allow a 17 year old L plater in a powerful car to "learn" in, but to jeopardise others, especially someone elses' child you have been entrusted to look after, if appalling.

The family was from Bendigo, I believe. I Thought there was a power to weight ratio restriction on L and P plate drivers in Victoria. I realise Castlemaine is in NSW, but once again an irresponsible action by the parent????

I'm not a soothsayer, and this IS a tragic story, but it's these types of events which shock the broader community which DO inevitably introduce radical and restrictive measures by government.

Don't be surprised if this story is the start of arguments to restrict the power output of ALL new cars.

The family was from Bendigo, I believe. I Thought there was a power to weight ratio restriction on L and P plate drivers in Victoria. I realise Castlemaine is in NSW, but once again an irresponsible action by the parent????

Castlemaine is in Victoria.

Castlemaine is in Vic Tom, it's just outside of Bendigo.

Police are unsure what caused the accident. However Country Fire Association north west region duty officer Mick Harris said driving conditions had been bad at the time of the accident.

That line say's it all for me although I wasnt there so I and anyone else for that matter will never know for sure until the investigation sheds some light on the matter. The make and power of the vehicle doesnt make a difference you can drive at ridiculous speeds or dangerously just as easily in a clapped out 70's model mazda as you can in a R8.

The story doesnt even say who was on the wrong side of the road.

The story doesnt even say who was on the wrong side of the road.

On the TV news this morning they said for reason(s) unknown the Late model camira went onto the wrong side of the road.