A tragic incident in Melbourne's north-west has left one man dead and a woman hospitalised with serious injuries after a car careered off the road and crashed into a busy medical centre.
Chaotic Morning Scene in Niddrie
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Keilor and Hoffmans roads in Niddrie at approximately 9.30am on Monday following reports of a serious collision. An Alfa Romeo sedan had mounted the footpath and smashed directly into a consulting room within the Essendon Health Medical Centre.
A male pedestrian, who was struck on the footpath, died at the scene despite the urgent efforts of paramedics. A woman in her 50s, who is an employee of the medical centre, sustained serious injuries to her upper and lower body. She required an airlift to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for emergency treatment.
Driver Under Police Guard as Investigations Begin
The 63-year-old male driver of the Alfa Romeo was also injured in the crash. He was taken to hospital and remains under police guard as the investigation into the circumstances unfolds.
Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy addressed the media, stating, "It's really tragic that there's one who's lost his life. It's really fortunate that there weren't more." Investigators spent the morning speaking with shocked witnesses who described a scene of horror.
One local woman told reporters, "We just heard a big crash and a thud. The screams were horrendous... Definitely knew something bad had happened outside." Another witness recalled seeing the pedestrian lying on the footpath "covered in glass," while a nearby restaurant worker described seeing the car already inside the building and other injured people on the floor.
Ongoing Investigation and Road Safety Plea
The exact cause of the crash remains unclear. Police are investigating whether the driver went through a red light or suffered a medical episode at the time. The Department of Transport and Planning confirmed the busy thoroughfare would remain closed for much of the day, reopening only to traffic and trams once investigations are complete and it is safe to do so.
Authorities have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or who has dashcam or mobile phone footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Det Insp McEvoy issued a poignant reminder for all road users as the festive season approaches: "Slow down. No one wants to receive that message, no one wants to have that spare seat at the Christmas table this year."
