The sudden loss of Jim and Carmel Madden, beloved local figures, has left a small community reeling after a truck crashed through their home

A devastating truck accident in Tower Hill, Victoria, has left the local community in shock following the tragic deaths of an elderly couple, Jim and Carmel Madden, aged 81 and 80. The couple was inside their bedroom when a truck veered off the Princes Highway, travelling approximately 200 metres through paddocks before crashing into their home at around 7am on Friday. According to Sergeant Stephen Hill from the Victoria Police major collision investigation unit, the incident has raised numerous questions regarding the circumstances leading to the collision.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but it was too late for Jim and Carmel, who were both beloved figures in their community, known for their contributions to local farming and social organisations. Jim was an active member of the Koroit Lions Club, having been inducted in the late 1990s and serving as its president during the club’s 50th anniversary this February. Carmel had previously held the position of president at the Koroit Probus Club, reflecting their deep-rooted ties to the area.

Bruce Lowenthal, the Lions Club’s longest-serving member, paid tribute to Jim, stating, “For 40 years, he served his community well. He was a fine man and well-regarded… everyone knew him and everyone liked him, so it’s going to send shock waves through Koroit.” The couple was remembered fondly, having managed a family farm that raised cattle and horses, contributing significantly to the local agricultural community.

The 70-year-old truck driver, who was taken to Warrnambool Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, has not yet been questioned by investigators. Sergeant Hill expressed concern over the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, given the extensive tyre marks left in the paddock. “Clearly there’s a real question, given the length of the rolling tyre prints, as to how the driver wasn’t able to stop the truck prior to colliding with the house,” he remarked.

The truck had been heading east towards Warrnambool when it inexplicably crossed onto the wrong side of a straight section of highway, crashing through fences before impacting the front bedroom of the Maddens’ home. Hill stated, “I can’t say that they haven’t washed off any speed during that 200 metres [off-road], but clearly they haven’t washed off what you would expect to be all of the speed.” He confirmed that there were no obstacles on the road that could have caused the driver to swerve.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are considering various potential causes for the crash, including a medical episode, mechanical failure, driver inattention, or phone use. Hill emphasised the need for thorough investigation to ascertain what went wrong, saying, “This collision, regardless of how the investigation comes out, is an absolute timely reminder about how catastrophic the damage – both to people and property – can occur when truck drivers or heavy vehicle drivers get things wrong.”

The house, which sustained significant damage and had asbestos issues, delayed cleanup efforts, with the truck still lodged in the structure as Hill spoke to reporters. The loss of Jim and Carmel has reverberated through the small community, with many struggling to comprehend the suddenness of the tragedy and reflecting on the couple’s lasting legacy.

As the community mourns, local residents have come together to honour the Maddens, recalling their warmth and commitment to service. “It’s a terrible tragedy for the family and for the community as a whole,” Lowenthal added, reflecting the collective grief felt in Tower Hill.

The investigation into the incident will continue, with the local community hoping for answers that can shed light on the circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching event.