Stoneleigh crash victims Sapana Neupane Bhandari, Krishna Hari and Ruben remembered for their ‘kindness, warmth and love’

The three members of a family killed in a truck crash in regional Victoria have been remembered for their “kindness, warmth and love”, as shock and grief spreads through the state in the aftermath of the horrific event.

Father Krishna Hari, 41, mother Sapana Neupane Bhandari, 31, and their three-year-old son Ruben were killed outside Stoneleigh, about 200km west of Melbourne, on Tuesday after their car collided with a truck.

The family’s grandmother was also in the vehicle, but survived the crash and was flown to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.

A little girl, the older sister of Ruben, was not in the vehicle with her family.

The Geelong Nepalese Association paid tribute to Sapana, Krishna and Rube, saying their “kindness, warmth and love” would “always be remembered”.

“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to their family and relatives,” the social media post reads.

“May their beautiful souls rest in eternal peace, and may their loved ones find strength and comfort during this unimaginable time.

“The Geelong Nepalese community is deeply saddened by this tragic loss and stands together in full support of the family and their daughter during this most difficult period.”

The crash happened at the intersection of Eurambeen-Streatham Rd and Mount William Rd just after 9.30am on Tuesday.

Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Police suspect the car failed to stop at a stop sign before the crash.

Victoria Police Inspector Craig McEvoy said there were warning signs hundreds of metres before the intersection.

“It appears unfortunately these stop signs and precautions haven’t been followed,” he said.

The car was crushed and rolled from the impact.

“It’s a terrible scene in that a car has been T-boned by a semi-trailer – catastrophic injuries, significant damage to the car,” Inspector McEvoy said.

The truck driver suffered minor injuries.

“The truck driver is shaken, as you’d expect. He’s with family and friends,” Inspector McEvoy said.

Community members have taken to social media to express their heartache at the tragic loss of life.

“Words fall short in moments like this. The loss of such a kind and beautiful souls is truly heartbreaking,” one wrote.

Another person wrote: “Your smiles and spirit brought light to us all. Your energy will be missed, but never forgotten.”