Police are investigating if two traffic officers ran a red light during a chase when their canary yellow patrol car was T-boned at a major intersection in Melbourne's south-east on Wednesday.
The two senior constables, both with more than 20 years' experience each, and another driver were hospitalised with non-life threatening injuries following the crash that occurred at 11am.
It is believed the officers had their patrol car's flashing lights on as they were pursuing another vehicle when they ran a red light at the intersection of the Dandenong bypass and South Gippsland Highway.
Another car - not the one they were following - T-boned the state highway patrol car, Fairfax Media has been told
Both cars were significantly damaged, with the force of the collision ripping the doors and boot off the police car.
The scene of the crash. Photo: Courtesy of Channel 7
Police said it was technically not a pursuit under the force's definition. The officers were, however, following another vehicle at the time.
The second car which allegedly T-boned the police car. Photo: Courtesy of Channel 7
Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Webster said at the time, police were undertaking "urgent duty driving" and "no pursuit took place".
However, witnesses said it looked like a pursuit.
The Major Collision Investigation Unit is investigating.