11/07/2026
Thanks to Korumburra Fire Brigade for raising this.
It is never ok to drive through an accident scene or ignore emergency service workers.
CFA members have the same powers as police in the absence of police.
Last night, our members, alongside Loch CFA Fire and Rescue, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, responded to a motor vehicle accident on the South Gippsland Highway at Bena.
The highway was completely blocked due to the accident, and all emergency services worked as quickly as possible to establish traffic management and roadblocks while prioritising patient care.
While the vast majority of motorists were understanding and followed directions, unfortunately one of our volunteers were verbally abused after asking a driver to turn around. Our members are volunteers who give up their own time to help the community. No one deserves to be abused while carrying out their role and working to keep everyone safe.
Also during the incident, an Ambulance Victoria helicopter was circling to locate a suitable landing area on the road. Although there was not yet a roadblock at the intended landing site, it was clearly an active emergency scene with multiple emergency service vehicles present. Alarmingly, while the helicopter was only metres from landing and clearly visible to all road users a vehicle drove directly beneath it, placing everyone involved at unnecessary risk. The helicopter then diverted to the Korumburra Showgrounds.
We ask all road users to please be patient and respect the directions of emergency service personnel. Road closures and traffic diversions are put in place to protect patients, emergency responders and the public.
Thank you to everyone who showed patience and understanding while crews worked at the scene. Your cooperation helps us do our job safely and ensures we make it home to our own families.
