Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a burglary and attempted carjacking which are believed to be linked to the fatal collision in Preston overnight.
It’s believed a burglary occurred in Erica Avenue in St Albans where two vehicles, a white Mitsubishi Triton registration 1EP1JF and a VW Golf registration 1CX 9XZ, were stolen about 7.30pm.
The stolen Triton was located parked in a hotel carpark in Sunshine about 7.45pm.
Further investigation tracked a black Kluger, believed to be linked to the burglary, seen driving erratically on Ballarat Road in Sunshine a short time later.
The black Kluger was followed by police to Airport Drive in Tullamarine where a man and woman were arrested, and a second man fled the scene about 8.45pm.
The 24-year-old Emerald man and 24-year-old St Albans woman have been interviewed in relation to the burglary and released pending further investigation.
The black Kluger with two occupants drove away from Airport Drive and continued to evade police.
The vehicle was monitored by the Police Air Wing and stop sticks were deployed on the Western Ring Road about 9.50pm.
The offenders attempted to carjack another vehicle on Regent Street in Preston when the victim drove off.
A pursuit was initiated in Gower Street in Preston and officers attempted to intercept the black Kluger travelling south on High Street just after 10pm.
The car failed to stop and shortly after, collided with a truck at the intersection with Bell Street.
Following the collision, the truck then struck another car, an Audi sedan, which was stationary at the intersection.
Two male occupants in the Kluger died as a result of the crash.
They are yet to be formally identified.
The 60-year-old male driver of the Audi and the 31-year-old truck driver were conveyed to hospital for observation.
Investigators are keen to speak to the victims of the attempted carjacking and anyone that may have dashcam footage in the Preston area at the time.
Investigators are wanting to locate the VW Golf registration stolen during the St Albans burglary.
As per normal procedure the investigation will be overseen by Professional Standards Command.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen the crash or has dash cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
