Ask Onix
Fatal collision in Melbourne suburb
One person died and another suffered critical injuries after a vehicle struck pedestrians on Langs Road in Ascot Vale, Melbourne, on Saturday afternoon, police confirmed.
Incident details
A grey Toyota left the roadway and drove onto the pavement shortly before 5:00 p.m. local time (07:00 GMT), according to Victoria Police. The crash occurred near the Melbourne Showgrounds, where the Supanova Comic Con & Gaming event was taking place.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, was detained at the scene. Authorities have not yet determined whether the collision was deliberate or accidental.
Arrest and investigation
An off-duty police officer arrested the driver, with assistance from bystanders. Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy told reporters that investigators are exploring multiple possibilities, including potential impairment due to alcohol or drugs.
Police have not confirmed whether the incident was targeted or random, stating that all avenues remain under review.
Eyewitness account
Tom, a witness at the scene, told The Sydney Morning Herald he heard tires screech before the car swerved onto the kerb at high speed, striking two people. He claimed the vehicle then performed a U-turn before stalling, and that he helped prevent the driver from leaving the area.
Event background
The two-day Supanova Comic Con & Gaming expo, described as a major gathering for Australian pop culture fans, was underway at the time of the incident. Organizers had expected thousands of attendees, with guests including Lord of the Rings actor Andy Serkis and Harry Potter actress Bonnie Wright.
Images from the scene showed police tape cordoning off the damaged vehicle, though authorities have not released further details about the extent of the damage.
