Wimmera police responded to three fatalities in four days last week.

Horsham Senior Sergeant Brendan Broadbent said the tragic scenes took a toll on officers.

“You get frustrated,” he said.

“Some are particularly horrifying.

“That has a big impact and bearing on the people who attend.

“That impact can spread into their family and friends, throughout the community.”

Northern Grampians Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable Rodney Rickard said it was hard to make sense of three fatalities in such a small time period.

“I have no answers,” he said.

“I wish I did. I wish I could look into a crystal ball and say ‘this is why it happened’.

“At this stage we look at the crash data and try to have people in areas where needed. Unfortunately, we can’t be everywhere.”

A 38-year-old Kaniva man was killed in a single vehicle crash between Kaniva and Lillimur on Sunday. 

Horsham Highway Patrol Sergeant Heath Martin said the investigation was in its early stages but police believed alcohol, fatigue and speed could have been factors.

On Thursday, a 56-year-old Meredith woman died after a two-car collision in Lubeck, near Horsham-Lubeck Road and Murtoa-Glenorchy Road.

A 57-year-old Lubeck man was taken to Horsham’s Wimmera Base Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police said inattention could have led to the crash.

Earlier on Thursday, a 63-year-old South Australian woman died after her car collided head-on with a truck on the Wimmera Highway east of Marnoo.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said a 63-year-old man was taken to Wimmera Base Hospital by road ambulance with head, suspected spinal and knee injuries. 

The spokeswoman said a 50-year-old was airlifted to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne with pelvis and leg injuries.

Senior Constable Rickard has appealed for witnesses to the Marnoo crash to come forward.

He said police wanted to find out what could have caused one of the vehicles to veer onto the wrong side of the road.

“The driver that was killed in the collision was driving a small silver Holden station wagon SUV,” Senior Constable Rickard said. 

“We’re trying to piece together the vehicle’s movements prior to collision. At this stage we don’t know the cause.

“If anyone saw the vehicle about 1.30pm or 1.40pm, travelling in an easterly direction, we want them to get in touch with highway patrol on 5358 8209.”

Senior Sergeant Broadbent asked residents to be extra aware and exercise caution on the roads.

“Everyone seems to think it won’t happen to them,” he said. 

“The fact is anyone going at a speed of 100 who losses control faces a serious injury or fatality. You just can’t right a vehicle at that speed.

“We’re asking for extra vigilance, particularly on back country roads and at intersections.”

The warning comes as police prepare to launch two September operations, Operation Alive and Operation Scoreboard. 

“Given the number of fatalities, our resolve is to focus on road policing and enforcement,” Senior Sergeant Broadbent said. 

Senior Constable Rickard said those affected by the fatalities could contact free support services on 1300 367 797.