A 35-year-old man from Kilmore has died in a single-vehicle crash near Bendigo, Victoria, leaving behind his wife and newborn child.

He has been identified as Tijo Jose Thomas, a member of Victoria’s Malayali community, who had been travelling to work at the time of the crash.

In a statement, the Melbourne Malayalee Federation expressed its condolences, describing Mr Thomas’s death as a significant loss for both his family and the wider community. He is survived by his wife, Anju Thomas, and their one-month-old infant.

Emergency services were called to Huntly–Fosterville Road in Wellsford about 1.45pm, where a red Toyota Yaris had veered off the road and struck a tree. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.

Police said the exact circumstances leading to the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Authorities have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage to come forward. Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via its website.

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