A beachside house on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula has collapsed following a landslide, raising urgent safety concerns for nearby residents. The incident took place on Tuesday morning, around 8:45 am, when emergency services received reports of the house sliding down the steep cliff at Penny Lane, McCrae.
Aerial footage captured the aftermath, showcasing extensive damage as the house toppled onto its side, ensnared by trees and brush, and even landing against another property. Rescue crews, including Victoria Ambulance and the State Emergency Service (SES), immediately responded to the scene, where they managed to stabilize one individual who was injured and transported him to Frankston Hospital. Thankfully, reports indicate the victim is currently recovering well.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with local resident Kim sharing her reaction. "If there's a person in there, it would be horrendous," she relayed during an interview with 3AW, highlighting the horror of the situation. Another local, Tanina Osborne, who was swimming nearby, heard the collapse and posted on social media about the shocking event: "We heard this almighty tumble... it turns out it was this house."
The landslide has prompted authorities to issue warnings to the public, urging them to keep their distance as the slope remains unstable. Chris Gregory, SES operations manager, emphasized this during his discussion with ABC Radio Melbourne, stating, "A couple of [impacted homes] were vacant holiday homes, and others had residents who were working with councils and other agencies to make sure they have a safe place to go."
Along with enforcing evacuations for the potentially endangered properties, Point Nepean Road has been closed for safety. Observers noted the persistent risk of additional movements on the slope, as the area was already deemed precarious due to heavier rainfall affecting the ground stability. Warnings circulated around VicEmergency alerting residents to stay clear of the landslide area, reinforcing the message of caution within the community.
Reports suggest this house was vacant and significantly impacted by minor landslides just days prior, which should have raised alarms about the potential for greater danger following the rains. The government is now advocating for reviews of building regulations and site assessments to prevent similar situations. Acting premier Ben Carroll expressed his sentiments, saying, "It must be devastating for them, and obviously, their neighbours as well." More stringent protocols may come as a result of this alarming incident, ensuring future safety for residents on the Peninsula.
Requests for information from local authorities continue as concerns mount over the stability of the surrounding hillside. With two more homes currently unaffected, there remains hope for the community's well-being moving forward. This incident underlines how vulnerable coastal properties can be to natural disasters, particularly when the land is not properly assessed for safety before construction.
Overall, the McCrae house collapse serves as yet another stark reminder of the powerful effects of nature and the importance of vigilant construction practices, especially in places prone to landslides. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to heed warnings and stay informed about local geotechnical assessments, as recovery efforts for the site are expected to be extensive and may take considerable time.