Altona North crash: Victims tried to kick their way out of sinking car

Two men who died after their car crashed into wetlands in Melbourne's west Saturday night tried desperately to kick their way out of the sinking vehicle.

The luxury Mercedes slid from the Western Ring Road, near the Princes Freeway, in Altona North about 8.45pm Saturday and plunged into the water upside down.

9News has been told the two 27-year-old men, from Hoppers Crossing and Sunshine, tried to force their way out through the sunroof and the back window, but neither would budge. 

A police officer and a paramedic jumped into the water to try to pull open the doors from the outside, but they too were unsuccessful. 

The bodies of the childhood friends were found inside the car when it was recovered hours later.

Police have told family members the men died holding each other. 

Floral tributes were laid by grieving loved ones at the scene today.

The brother of one of the men said the victims were both mechanics and one worked for Mercedes.

Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.