A Melbourne community is in shock after police confirmed a second person has died following the devastating car crash in Wantirna South last week.
Victoria Police said on Saturday night that a 60-year-old man has now died in hospital from injuries he sustained when he, his partner and their grandson were struck by an out-of-control vehicle.
Grandparents Killed, Toddler Survives
The crash happened on Thursday afternoon when a 91-year-old driver reportedly lost control of her Toyota Yaris on Coleman Road, Wantirna South, in Melbourne’s east. The vehicle mounted the footpath and hit a man, a woman and a two-year-old boy before crashing through a fence and into a nearby reserve.
The 59-year-old woman died at the scene. The couple’s two-year-old grandson, who was also struck, is recovering in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
It’s understood the two adults were the grandparents of the little boy.
Witnesses Describe Harrowing Moments
Local resident Heather Webber told reporters she ran outside after hearing a “funny, weird sound” and found the man lying on the footpath. “There he was, the poor chap, lying on his back. The bleeding was excessive,” she said.
Her husband immediately called paramedics. Ms Webber said she was unable to sleep that night, describing the crash as “very disturbing.”
Nearby residents, including the Wong family, have been leaving flowers at the scene to pay their respects to the victims.
Police Investigation Continues
The driver, a 91-year-old woman from Melbourne, was arrested but has not yet been formally interviewed. She suffered minor injuries and remains under investigation. Police are still working to determine whether speed or a possible medical episode contributed to the crash.
Superintendent Justin Goldsmith explained that the section of Coleman Road where the crash occurred is on a downhill slope, which could have caused the car to pick up speed if control was lost.
“Tragically, that vehicle has collided with a couple and a child,” Supt Goldsmith said. “That driver has then continued with some degree of lack of control down Coleman Rd and ended up in the reserve about 200 metres from the collision scene.”
The severely damaged car remains in the park after apparently striking a bench.
Victoria’s Road Toll Hits Horrific New High
This incident adds to what police have described as a horrific period for road trauma in Victoria. So far this month alone, 14 people have died on the state’s roads — more than the entire month of June.
“We’ve had so many lives lost and life-threatening injuries in just one week. It’s completely horrific and unacceptable,” Supt Goldsmith said.
Police are urging all drivers to take extra care, especially on downhill streets and in residential areas where pedestrians may be present.
Community Mourns Together
Locals are continuing to visit the crash site to lay flowers and pay tribute to the family whose lives were changed forever in an instant.
Stay with us for more updates on this story and other local Melbourne news. Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident.
