Princes Freeway Accident Today: Serious Little River Crash Causes Major Delays and Freeway Closures in Victoria
A serious crash on the Princes Freeway near Little River, Victoria, caused significant traffic disruption on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after a car collided with a stationary truck.
Emergency services were called to the Geelong-bound side of the freeway at about 10 a.m. following reports of the collision. A male driver in the car suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital. The truck driver was not injured.
Victoria Police initially closed all Geelong-bound lanes between Werribee and Little River while emergency crews attended the scene and investigators examined the crash site. Air Ambulance Victoria, mobile intensive care and advanced life-support paramedics were among the emergency services that responded.
Princes Freeway Crash Causes Traffic Chaos
The collision caused substantial delays through Werribee, Little River and surrounding roads. One lane was reopened shortly after midday, but motorists were still warned to expect lengthy delays as the investigation continued.
Drivers were advised to consider alternative routes, including Duncans Road, Werribee Main Road or Geelong Road. Another suggested detour was via Ballan Road toward Balliang East before continuing through Lara and rejoining the freeway.
Princes Freeway Accident Investigation
Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision. Authorities have appealed for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage or other information to come forward.
Reports about the victim’s condition have developed as the investigation continues. Earlier coverage described the male driver as being critically injured and airlifted to hospital, while a separate report later stated that a male driver had died at the scene. Because those reports conflict, the safest account is that the driver’s final condition should be confirmed through police or hospital authorities before being reported as a death.
Motorists travelling between Melbourne and Geelong should allow extra time and check current traffic conditions before using the Princes Freeway near Little River.
