Victoria Police have launched an urgent search for a man who disappeared after a serious single-vehicle crash near the regional Victorian town of Dookie, amid concerns he may have sustained injuries and requires immediate medical assistance. The incident occurred shortly after 6:00am on Monday when the man's vehicle left the road and collided with a power pole on Dookie–Nalinga Road.
Emergency services responded quickly after receiving reports of the crash. However, when police, paramedics and other first responders arrived at the scene, the driver was nowhere to be found. Investigators believe the man left the crash site before emergency crews arrived and may have wandered away while injured.
The missing man has been identified only as Reuben, who is from Beechworth in north-east Victoria. Police have released his description in the hope that members of the public may recognise him or provide information about his whereabouts. He is described as approximately 177 centimetres tall, with a solid build, a bald head and a beard. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a red and navy striped rugby shirt, blue jeans and Nike running shoes.
Authorities are particularly concerned because of the possibility that Reuben sustained injuries during the collision. Police say he may be disoriented or seeking shelter somewhere near the crash location. Search efforts have focused on nearby roadsides, paddocks and bushland surrounding Dookie–Nalinga Road, with officers urging residents, landowners and motorists to remain alert.
Investigators are appealing to anyone who was travelling through the area around the time of the crash, or who may have seen Reuben afterwards, to contact police immediately. Motorists with dashcam footage and residents with CCTV cameras overlooking nearby roads are also encouraged to review their recordings for anything that may assist the investigation.
Police have emphasised that even small pieces of information could prove crucial in locating the missing man safely. Community members are asked not to approach him if he appears injured or distressed but instead contact emergency services so trained personnel can provide assistance.
The incident serves as a reminder that people involved in road crashes can sometimes leave the scene due to shock, confusion or injury. Emergency responders continue to treat the case as a missing person investigation while working to determine Reuben's movements after the collision.
Anyone with information about Reuben's whereabouts is urged to contact Shepparton Police Station or Crime Stoppers as soon as possible. Police say the priority remains finding him safely and ensuring he receives any medical care he may require. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is continuing.
