A man involved in a fatal collision near Orbost on Friday that killed a policeman has appeared in court and been remanded in custody until January next year.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives charged the 21-year-old man, from Botantic Ridge, near Cranbourne, with culpable driving following the accident.
It is alleged a car was travelling west along the Princes Highway at Mount Raymond Regional Park, between Orbost and Cabbage Tree Creek, when it veered onto the opposite side of the Princes Highway at around 2.20pm.
The car struck a motorbike ridden by Detective Senior Sergeant Vic Kostiuk as he travelled east near Tower Road.
A serving Victoria Police veteran of nearly 40 years, Det Kostiuk, who was taking part in the Wall to Wall ride in honour of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, died at the scene.
Victoria’s Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the loss of Det Kostiuk “struck at the heart” of the force.
Det Kostiuk’s son, also a policeman, was riding with his father when the accident occurred and reportedly swerved to avoid being struck by the vehicle. His wife, Pauline, is a retired police officer.
“Vic, Pauline and their family were familiar faces at this event, and we are extremely saddened that tragically he lost his life during a police event that raises funds for Victoria Police Legacy,” chair of Victoria Police Legacy, Superintendent Lauren Callaway, said.
“For those who are involved in the Wall to Wall, it is one of those special weekends that brings out the best in police fellowship. Befittingly, that quality is one that describes Vic, a highly respected police officer who always had the time for others.”
Acting senior sergeant of traffic for the eastern region, Dwyane Morrison, described the accident as “A devastatingly unfortunate incident where someone has been killed as a result of carelessness”.
The accused man is alleged to have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He appeared in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court via video link from Bairnsdale on Monday and will be held in custody until his next appearance on January 23 next year.
