A 15-year-old boy who died in a car crash while driving in Melbourne’s west has been remembered as a “loving and caring friend”, while two passengers remain in a critical condition.

Police said Luke Lee from Newport was driving along Oldfield Street in Sunshine West when he struck a tree about 10:00pm on Monday.

Four other people were in the car, including a 13-year-old Sunbury girl and a 15-year-old Doreen girl who were taken to The Alfred hospital with head injuries in a critical condition.

A 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, both from Sunshine West, were also seriously injured.

Luke’s family visited the scene of the crash. Photo: ABC

Three of the passengers trapped in the car had to be freed by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

On Tuesday, family and friends gathered at the scene of the crash, leaving heartfelt messages, flowers and photographs.

Friend Tyler Gee described Luke Lee as a “loving and caring boy”.

“He always put everyone before he put himself. He had a heart of gold,” he said.

“He’s gone but not forgotten.”

Another friend said he was “funny, he was always caring, asking if everyone was ok”.

‘Driving is not a game’, police warn

Assistant Police Commissioner Doug Fryer urged parents to speak to their children about risks on the road.

“It could have been five people dead last night. We’ve had one young boy die … so let that be a message to those out there listening,” he said.

“Driving is not a game, you need to be licensed, you need to be responsible.

“Parents, have the conversation with your kids around road safety.”

Car involved unregistered, not listed as stolen

Two passengers trapped in the car had to be freed by emergency services. Photo: ABC

Witness Daniel Hollingworth said the scene was “pretty chaotic”.

“The two females in the back, they were frantically trying to get out,” he said.

“It was quite stressful, a lot of screaming.”

One of the boys was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition with leg fractures and possible spinal injuries.

The other boy was hospitalised with leg fractures and was in a stable condition.

Police said no other cars were involved in the accident.

The car involved had not been listed as stolen but was unregistered, police said.