A SEAFORD truck driver has been charged by police over an accident which killed a Herald Sun journalist last week.
Sports journalist Sam Landsberger was struck by a truck at the intersection of Bridge Road and Church Street in Richmond at around 10.20am on 20 August. The 35-year-old was taken to hospital but died a short time later.
The driver of the truck was a 45-year-old man from Seaford. In a statement, Victoria Police said he stopped at the scene to speak to police, and was released pending further enquiries. Later that week, police charged the truck driver with failing to provide a blood sample.
In a statement, Victoria Police said the driver was “requested by Melbourne Highway Patrol officers to provide a blood sample as per standard procedure under the Road Safety Act being a driver involved in a serious collision. The driver allegedly refused and was charged on summons with refusing to provide a blood sample.” “As part of the investigation, the 45-year-old truck driver involved in the collision underwent a roadside alcohol and drug test at the scene and tested negative to both,” the statement read.
The Seaford man has been banned from driving. He will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 September.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, and a report is being prepared for the corner. Any witnesses can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au to assist police.
First published in the Frankston Times – 27 August 2024