One of the four police officers killed in a horror crash in Melbourne had only joined two days ago, it's been revealed.
A semi-trailer smashed into two parked police vehicles yesterday afternoon on the Eastern Freeway near Kew and the Chandler Highway.
One of the police cars had pulled over a Porsche for a roadside test after it was allegedly clocked speeding. A second, unmarked cop car arrived as backup to help impound the Porsche.
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A refrigeration truck then slammed into them, causing fatal injuries for the four officers.
It's since been revealed that one of those brave souls, Constable Josh Prestney, was a new recruit.
His grandmother, Eliza Anderson, has spoken to the Herald Sun about how the 28-year-old had the world at his feet.
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She added: "Josh was 28. He only graduated in November. He was just on a stint before being at Kew station. He had only started on this on Tuesday."
Eliza described Josh as 'beautiful' and 'talented' and was 'proud to serve' the community.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton has instructed flags be flown at half mast out of respect for the fallen officers.
Commissioner Ashton said: "It is a tragic day for Victoria police. A tragic day for the families of these officers and we feel very deeply for them.
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"The whole force is reeling this morning from what's occurred last night.
"It's an unprecedented event for us to lose so many officers in one event, in one terrible collision on the freeway."
Investigations are still underway into what caused the crash and police have since arrested the driver of the Porsche, who allegedly fled on foot after the accident unfolded.
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Commissioner Ashton told News Corp the operator of the Porsche vehicle had returned a positive drug test shortly before the crash happened and has an 'extensive criminal history'. The 41-year-old has also been accused of taking photos of the crash before authorities arrived.
Commissioner Ashton said: "There has been some images placed on Facebook that appear to have been taken by this individual at the scene, before he has left the scene.
"And some of those photographs were circulating last night online. So, I would ask if anyone is finding photographs online, not to further circulate them.
"To leave the scene is a very, very low act in my view.
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"If I wasn't wearing this uniform as Chief Commissioner I'd be using far more colourful language than this... but I need to be more dignified."
The accident is worst lost of officer lives in Victorian Police history.
Featured Image Credit: 9News
