A quiet afternoon walk turned into a devastating tragedy when a car driven by a 91-year-old woman ploughed into a family of three at a park in Wantirna South, killing a couple and injuring their two-year-old grandson.
Police confirmed on Saturday night that the 60-year-old grandfather, who had been hospitalised with life-threatening injuries following the crash on Thursday, had succumbed to his injuries. His 59-year-old partner had died at the scene.
Their grandson, aged two, was also struck by the out-of-control vehicle but sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The child was reportedly walking between his grandparents when the silver Toyota Yaris mounted the footpath on Coleman Road, continued for roughly 40–50 metres, and crashed through a fence before stopping against a park bench near a children’s playground.
Eye-witness account
Local resident Tracey Dean described the horrifying moment. “I heard a bang and ran outside. There were two people on the footpath and others trying to help,” she told the Herald Sun. “There was a mangled pram and I immediately thought there must be a baby.”
She found the boy standing under a tree with visible cuts and grazes. “He wrapped his arms around my neck and wouldn’t let go. He just kept saying ‘car, car, car’.”
Despite his injuries, the toddler was conscious and responsive, though too traumatised to speak further.
Details of the crash
Police say the Toyota Yaris, driven by the elderly woman, lost control while heading downhill. The car mounted the footpath and struck the family from behind. It then continued for another 200 metres before crashing through a fence and into a bench near a children’s play area.
Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said conditions were dry at the time, and the road featured chicanes to slow traffic. “It appears the vehicle lost control and was on the footpath for some distance before hitting the family,” he said.
The driver sustained only minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution. She has not yet been formally interviewed. Authorities have not confirmed whether she suffered a medical episode or if charges will be laid.
Community in shock
Footage from nearby homes shows the family moments before the crash. Federal Labor MP Mary Doyle, whose electorate includes Wantirna South, expressed condolences via social media: “My thoughts are with the families affected and the entire community.”
The tragedy has shaken locals, especially as it follows recent similar incidents — including the deaths of Jack Davey, 11, and Eleanor Bryant, a mother of two, in unrelated crashes near schools.
Victoria Police continue their investigation. Superintendent Goldsmith noted this was the 14th road fatality in the state in just seven days. “This is an absolute tragedy,” he said. “It’s horrific and unacceptable.”
