Jacobus Bakkum, known as John, has been found alive after going missing for 48 hours following a visit to the Harrietville Hotel in Victoria’s High Country with his wife on Sunday.
Victoria Police said Mr Bakkum was discovered about 11.30am local time on Tuesday after a passer-by spotted his vehicle down an embankment near the Omeo Highway at Mitta Mitta. Police confirmed he was alive when located, but trapped inside the car.
“It appears he was involved in a single vehicle crash in Mitta Mitta some time over the last two days and has been located this morning, just after 11.30am, in Mitta Mitta,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
“His vehicle was located by a passer-by down an embankment just off Omeo Highway. He will be transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and will be reunited with his family.
“Police would like to thank media and the public for their assistance.”
Mr Bakkum had been expected to make only the 500m trip home after leaving the pub. His wife walked back, while he took the car, but when she arrived, he was not there.
Despite that short journey, his 2007 Toyota Prado was later found off the Omeo Highway at Mitta Mitta, about a two hour’s drive from the pub.
After he failed to return home from the hotel, he was reported missing, prompting urgent searches and public appeals from Victoria Police.
The exact time of the crash is still unknown. Possible sightings in the Biggara area were reported on Monday morning.
Mr Bakkum has been taken to hospital and is expected to be reunited with his family.
