A man has died and another has been arrested after a collision between a stolen truck and a car in Melbourne this morning.
The fatal crash happened in Footscray at about 4.30am, after the stolen white Nissan truck ran a red light at the intersection of Ballarat Road and Moore Street.
The truck, which was being pursued by police, collided with a grey 2011 Totota Corolla which was turning right at the intersection.
The driver of the truck, a 40-year-old man from Deer Park, was arrested and taken to hospital under police guard.
The male driver of the car, who has yet to be formally identified, sadly died at the scene.
Victoria Police said the truck first came to police attention around 3am, following reports the stolen truck was seen in Beveridge around 2.30am.
Officers responded and the Air Wing was called in as further information was received that the truck was now in Truganina.
Police spotted the truck and attempted to intercept the vehicle in Truganina, in the vicinity of Peterpaul Way and Schembri Drive, when the driver sped off.
The Air Wing assisted police units on the ground during the police response as stop sticks were deployed on several occasions but were unsuccessful.
During the police chase, the driver of the truck was also involved in a non-injury collision with another vehicle.
The driver of the truck was observed to be driving at speed, at times on the wrong side of the road, and through several red lights.
The fatal collision at the intersection of Ballarat Road and Moore Street occurred as the Special Operations Group was responding to calls and heading to the scene.
Victoria police said in a statement: “From our enquiries at this stage, it appears the truck was initially stolen on January 3 from the Kalkallo area before it was found in Derrimut and the owner contacted on January 5.
“The truck, it appears, was then re-stolen from Derrimut.
“As the collision occurred while police were in pursuit of the vehicle, Professional Standards Command will have oversight of the Major Collision Investigation Unit investigation.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision or with footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.