Jacobus “John” Bakkum, 85, has been found alive after a multi-day search in Victoria’s High Country. According to Victoria Police, the Harrietville resident was discovered trapped in his silver 2007 Toyota Prado, which had veered down an embankment off the Omeo Highway near Mitta Mitta.
Mr. Bakkum was last seen on Sunday evening leaving the Harrietville Hotel after dinner with his wife. While his wife returned home on foot, police believe Mr. Bakkum inadvertently drove in the opposite direction along the Great Alpine Road. CCTV footage confirmed he passed through Omeo at 9:44 pm on Sunday, and further reports suggested a sighting in the Biggara area, nearly 200 kilometres from his home, the following morning.
Emergency services located the vehicle on Tuesday. Mr. Bakkum was extracted from the wreckage and transported to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Authorities are currently investigating the specific circumstances of the crash and the timeline of events. Mr. Bakkum is a prominent figure in the local community, having received an award from the Alpine Shire Council in 2021 for his volunteer service.