A quiet afternoon in a Melbourne suburb turned to tragedy when a young child, riding on the back of their father's bicycle, was struck by a van in a devastating collision. The toddler is now fighting for their life in hospital following the incident in Bentleigh East on Wednesday.
The child was a passenger on the bicycle when it collided with a white Toyota HiAce van at the intersection of Tucker Road and St James Drive around 4:15 PM. Emergency services, including Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, rushed to the scene following frantic calls from horrified witnesses.
Emergency Response and Critical Care
Paramedics worked desperately at the scene to stabilise the critically injured toddler before performing a rapid road transport to the Royal Children's Hospital. Medical authorities have confirmed the child was admitted in a serious condition and remains under intensive care.
The father, who was operating the bicycle, escaped serious physical injury but was treated at the scene for shock. The van driver, a man in his 60s, stopped immediately and is cooperating fully with authorities. He was also assessed by paramedics for shock.
Community in Shock as Investigation Launches
The normally peaceful intersection has become the focus of a major police investigation. Forensic officers spent hours meticulously examining the crash site, mapping skid marks and gathering evidence to determine the exact circumstances of the collision.
Local residents expressed their shock and distress, describing the area as family-friendly and usually safe for pedestrians and cyclists. The incident has sparked immediate concerns about road safety in residential neighbourhoods.
Appeal for Witnesses
Victoria Police have launched an appeal for any witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone who may have dashcam footage of the incident or the moments leading up to it. Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who saw either the bicycle or the white Toyota HiAce van prior to the collision.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists on our roads, particularly children. The community now waits anxiously for updates on the toddler's condition as the investigation continues.
