A heartbreaking crash shook a quiet Melbourne neighborhood on Thursday, leaving a woman dead and her partner and toddler seriously injured.
The incident happened near a playground on Coleman Road in Wantirna South, sending shockwaves through the community.
Shocking CCTV Footage Captures Moments Before the Crash
Security camera footage from a nearby home captured a silver hatchback speeding dangerously down the street moments before the crash.
The video shows what appears to be a couple pushing a pram along the footpath—though it’s not yet confirmed if this was the same family involved in the accident.
The car, a Toyota Yaris driven by a 91-year-old woman, suddenly mounted the curb, crashed through a mesh fence, and smashed into a park bench near the playground.
Victims and Emergency Response
Tragically, a 59-year-old woman died at the scene.
Her 60-year-old partner was rushed to The Alfred Hospital in critical condition, while their two-year-old son was taken to Royal Children’s Hospital with serious injuries.
The elderly driver sustained minor scratches but was taken to hospital for observation and required blood tests. Police have yet to interview her.
What Happened on Coleman Road?
According to investigators, the driver hit a street sign before striking the pedestrians from behind as they walked along the footpath in the same direction.
The car then came to a stop about 200 meters down the hill in a nearby reserve.
Road Policing Superintendent Justin Goldsmith described the crash as “an absolute tragedy,” adding that this month has been especially grim for road incidents, with 14 fatalities in just seven days.
Uncertainty Over Speed and Driver’s Condition
While speed hasn’t been confirmed as a factor, the downhill stretch where the crash occurred means the car could have accelerated unintentionally.
“The driver is very shaken up,” said Supt Goldsmith. “We hope to get more details from her soon.”
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Horrifying Scene
Locals who rushed to the scene described the chaos.
One woman told radio station 3AW that a car hit two adults and a child on the footpath at high speed.
Ambulances, police, and emergency crews swarmed the area, blocking roads.
Another resident, Jason Grant, recalled driving past shortly after the crash and seeing neighbors gathered, helping the elderly driver out of the car.
Samuel Chen, whose parents live nearby, shared that the driver, accompanied by her emergency contact, had knocked on his mother’s door asking to use their toilet.
Although bleeding from a leg injury, she wasn’t seriously hurt.
Crash Site and Ongoing Investigation
Emergency services have set up a tent near the damaged fence and playground, while crash investigators are examining the wrecked vehicle and the flattened street sign nearby.
Coleman Road remains closed between Stud Road and Lewis Road as authorities continue their work.
Ambulance Victoria Praises Responders Amid Tragedy
Jordan Emery, Ambulance Victoria’s chief executive, called the incident “shocking” but praised the emergency teams who responded.
“Our crews did a remarkable job in a very difficult situation,” Emery said, noting that 10 emergency resources were dispatched and two patients transported to hospitals.
Call for Witnesses and Information
Police are urging anyone with dashcam footage or other information to come forward via Crime Stoppers as they continue to investigate this devastating accident.