WANTIRNA SOUTH, VIC — Tragedy Unfolds in Melbourne’s East as Crash Claims Life and Leaves Toddler Critically Injured
A serene Thursday afternoon in Wantirna South turned into a heartbreaking scene of chaos and sorrow on July 10, 2025, when a tragic car crash claimed the life of a woman and left a two-year-old boy critically injured. The incident, which occurred just after midday on Coleman Road, has sent shockwaves through the local community and reignited conversations around elderly drivers and road safety.
According to authorities, a 91-year-old woman behind the wheel of a silver sedan lost control of her vehicle around 12:15 p.m. Witnesses described the vehicle veering unpredictably before mounting the curb and colliding with two pedestrians — a woman in her thirties and a toddler she was pushing in a pram. The force of the impact sent both victims hurtling several metres, drawing the immediate attention of bystanders and local residents who rushed to the scene.
Emergency services arrived within minutes. Paramedics worked tirelessly to revive the woman, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been publicly released, pending formal identification and notification of next of kin. The two-year-old boy, who sustained life-threatening injuries, was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital in critical condition. Medical staff have reported that he is currently undergoing emergency surgery and remains in a precarious condition.
The driver of the vehicle, who was not physically injured in the crash, is said to be cooperating with police. She was taken to hospital as a precaution for assessment. Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit has launched an in-depth probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the driver’s medical fitness to be behind the wheel and whether any mechanical failures may have contributed to the crash.
Local residents, many of whom have lived in Wantirna South for decades, expressed deep sorrow and concern. “It’s just devastating,” said Michael Tran, who lives nearby. “You don’t expect something like this to happen on a quiet suburban road in the middle of the day. That poor woman and that little boy… it’s heartbreaking.”
Tributes and flowers have since begun to pile up along Coleman Road, where mourners have left teddy bears, handwritten notes, and candles in a growing makeshift memorial.
Community leaders and road safety advocates have spoken out in the aftermath of the crash. “This is a painful reminder of the potential dangers on our roads, and it highlights the urgent need to review policies around elderly driving,” said Alison Chen, spokesperson for the Victorian Road Safety Council. “Age should not automatically disqualify someone from driving, but regular assessments are crucial to ensure public safety — especially when people reach their 80s and beyond.”
The crash has also sparked broader public debate on social media, with many calling for mandatory driving re-evaluations for elderly license holders every year after age 85. Others, however, have cautioned against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing the need for compassion while the investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area between 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. “We’re piecing together exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the crash,” said Detective Sergeant Julia Tanner. “Any footage, no matter how minor it may seem, could be critical to our investigation.”
As the community grieves and the young boy continues to fight for his life, the tragedy in Wantirna South stands as a solemn reminder of how quickly life can change — and how a single moment on the road can ripple across families, neighborhoods, and an entire city.
Counseling and support services have been made available to witnesses and those affected by the crash. Knox City Council is also reportedly considering new pedestrian safety measures in the Coleman Road area, including speed limit reviews and the potential installation of traffic calming infrastructure.
More information will be released by authorities as the investigation continues.
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