THE Myrtleford Football Club will rally behind two of its reserves players and their families, following a deadly car crash at Bruarong on Saturday.
The young footballers had been travelling home following a win against North Albury, when their Ford Territory smashed head-on into a silver Camry about 3.15pm.
A Taiwanese woman, in her 30s, was killed at the scene on the 100km/h stretch of the Myrtleford-Yackandandah Road.
Sand was spread over the Kinchington Bridge to absorb the oil left behind.
It came as sad news to club president Michael Quirk, who said he had left messages with the families.
He said Lachlan Kirk, 19, was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Lachlan's father, Tony, and teammate, Luke Waters, 19, were taken to Albury hospital by ambulance and admitted overnight.
“Initially it was shock as everyone was driving home and started to get messages about players in an accident, it shakes you,” Mr Quirk said.
“We are all working to support the family, that’s the club we are.
“It wasn’t what we wanted to hear after a good win and we are 100 per cent behind them.”
The road was closed until about 7pm and 80km/h speed restrictions were expected to remain in place until Monday.
Police were investigating the cause of the crash, but believe the woman lost control of her car and collided with the north bound 4WD.
Drivers use the right side of the road in Taiwan compared to Australia.
Wangaratta Highway Patrol Senior Constable Colin Boyle urged people to assess the safety of their vehicles.
“An alarming statistic, which most people don’t realise, is if you have a collision at 100km/h, there is a 95 per cent chance it will be fatal,” he said.
”We've had a string of serious injury and fatal collisions in area and we never like dealing with them, it takes a toll on the whole community.
“We are now in the winter months, given the cold conditions, people are likely to have heaters on, so drivers should also take care against fatigue.
“In 100km zones - if you lose control or fall asleep in them - the consequences can be disastrous.” Anyone who witnessed the woman driving beforehand is urged to contact Wangaratta Police on (03) 5723 0888.
