five teens killed in hit and run in vic, page-6

A man has been arrested after a hit-and-run road accident near Mildura in north-west Victoria, which killed five people.

An ambulance spokesman says up to 10 people are in hospital, with two in a critical condition while another two have serious injuries.

A car drove through a group of young people, on their way to a party, about 10pm AEDT in Myall Street in Cardross near Mildura.

Three young girls and two boys were killed instantly.

Police arrested a man aged in his 30s just after 3am AEDT at a house in nearby Red Cliffs.

Police also recovered the vehicle involved in the incident.

Senior Constable Wayne Wilson says the vehicle was dumped nearby.

"The car driver left his vehicle there and fled on foot," he said.

"We had the area sealed off. We've got the Major Collision Investigation Unit flying to the scene from Melbourne.

"The coroner is also flying there and at this stage a large amount of emergency personnel on scene."

Rural Ambulance Service spokesman John Mullen says it was mayhem when paramedics arrived.

"When our paramedics and officers arrived, they found that five young people had been killed and a number of others had been injured," he said.

"Two of those are in a critical condition, two are in a serious condition. The others have a range of injuries. They've all been transported to Mildura Base Hospital."

One of those patients, 16-year-old girl suffering head injuries, has been moved to Royal Adelaide Hospital for specialist treatment.

Mr Mullen says neighbours helped emergency crews.

"The ones who weren't as seriously injured were taken into homes and it was really a great community effort from that point of view," he said.

Witnesses to the incident are receiving counselling.

Senior Constable Wilson says witnesses were traumatised.

"Quite a horrendous scene, in fact I believe our people, the crews up there will have counselling and support because of the nature of the trauma," he said.

Dave R.