In a tragic incident this afternoon, a minivan carrying nine people collided with a tree in regional Victoria, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

The accident occurred around 5 p.m. on Chapel Road in Muckatah, approximately 250 kilometers north of Melbourne. According to Victoria Police, the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal crash.

Sadly, four passengers died at the scene, and authorities are currently working to formally identify them.

Among the injured were three children who were passengers in the van. They were airlifted to the hospital due to the severity of their injuries.

The driver and another passenger, both of whom sustained serious injuries, were transported to the hospital by road for urgent medical care.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are enroute to the scene.

Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the crash were yet to be determined.

Ambulance Victoria said three air ambulances as well as Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance and Advanced Life Support paramedics were sent to the scene.

A fixed wing air ambulance plane was also dispatched.