Australian MP loses leg after car 'hit her for second time', officials say in new update
An Australian politician is in critical condition and has lost a leg after being struck by a car in what has been called a 'deliberate act', with a 43-year-old man arrested.
Helen Haines, 65, an independent MP, was thought to have been either loading or unloading items from the boot of her car outside her electoral district office in the city of Wangaratta, Victoria state, on Monday (19 October).
A Toyota Landcruiser SUV allegedly made a u-turn and struck Haines twice.
She was airlifted to Alfred hospital in Melbourne where doctors were forced to amputate one of her legs and desperately tried to save her other.
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The Guardian reports she remained in critical condition on Tuesday.
A man, 43, has been arrested, with counter-terrorism authorities among those investigating. A knife was found in vehicle.
Rich Jeffries, who runs a nearby barber shop, told Sky News he ‘heard a loud bang with no brakes’, before running over and restraining the alleged attacker.
He said: “It was crazy, I just ran out to the front to see what's happening.
"I didn't realise the seriousness of the situation initially, and once it became relevant I just did what I could and what others were already trying to do."
The heroic bystander said he searched the suspect and confiscated his knife.
He told the BBC: “He didn’t pull it [the knife] out. I just wasn't comfortable with his movements and so I took it out of his pocket and threw it away.”
He added that other people rushed to help too, even sitting in front of the suspect’s car, which he says was still on after the incident, to help Haines.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corp: “This wasn’t an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear. We don’t know what the motivation is.”
A vigil was held for Haines at Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral on Tuesday afternoon
Victoria Police said in a statement yesterday: “Police have arrested a man after a woman was struck by a vehicle in Wangaratta this afternoon.
“It is understood a white Toyota Landcruiser struck the 65-year-old woman outside an office on Murphy Street about 3.35pm.
“When he exited the Toyota the driver, a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man, was arrested at the scene by a passerby.
“He will be interviewed in relation to the incident.
“The woman was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
“A knife was located by police and seized from inside the Toyota.
“At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act.
“It is not known yet if the parties are known to each other.
“The investigation remains ongoing.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.”
Victoria Police acting superintendent Ashley Mason said police don’t believe there is any ongoing threat to the community.
Simon Fearn