Tragedy as Melbourne traffic controller is struck down and killed by ‘speeding’ driver

A traffic controller has been fatally struck down by a car while working on a Melbourne freeway.

The man had parked his ute on the outbound lanes of the Eastern Freeway when the accident occurred just after midnight on Wednesday morning. 

Emergency services rushed to the scene near Hoddle St at 12:15 am, where a damaged car and knocked-over safety cones were still present. 

The traffic warden was taken to hospital, but later died, Victoria Police said. 

The 58-year-old traffic controller was reportedly hit by a 27-year-old driver in a Toyota sedan. The driver, who did not sustain any physical injuries, was taken to the hospital and subsequently arrested by the police.

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A traffic controller has been fatally struck down by a car while working on a Melbourne freeway (pictured is the scene near Hoddle St on the Eastern Freeway)

Police believe speed may have been a factor.

‘The Eastern Freeway is expected to be closed for some time while investigators process the scene,’ Victoria Police said.

Several bus routes will be affected, with commuters urged to check the public transport website before their trip. 

Anyone with dashcam footage or information about the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

The man’s death brings Victoria’s annual road toll to 191.