A 66-year-old woman suffered serious injuries when a car thief struck her with her own vehicle outside a hospital in Melbourne’s south-east on Wednesday. The incident occurred at Casey Hospital in Berwick around 10:45 AM, as the woman was escorting her husband to the emergency department.
According to reports, the woman from Upper Beaconsfield had just dropped her husband off when a man, who had just exited the hospital, allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat of their car. In a desperate attempt to stop the thief from driving away, the woman tried to intervene, but tragically, she was struck by the moving vehicle.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and paramedics quickly transported her to The Alfred Hospital in critical condition. As of Wednesday evening, she was reported to be in serious but stable condition, indicating a hopeful recovery despite the severity of her injuries.
The stolen vehicle is described as a 2012 brown Ford Territory with the registration number DEX 581. As of the latest updates, both the alleged offender and the vehicle remain at large, prompting a police investigation.
Authorities are actively searching for the car and the suspect involved in this shocking incident. Police have urged anyone who witnessed the event or may have footage to come forward and assist with their inquiries.
“Police continue to search for a vehicle stolen outside a Berwick hospital this morning,” a police statement read. “The offender and the stolen vehicle are yet to be located at this stage.”
Casey Hospital is cooperating with law enforcement as they work to resolve the case. The incident has raised concerns about safety in hospital parking areas, with many community members expressing shock at the brazen nature of the carjacking.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bystanders rushing to help the injured woman immediately after the incident. One witness recounted, “It all happened so fast. One minute she was there, and the next, the car was gone, and she was on the ground.”
The incident has sparked discussions on social media about the rise in car thefts and the need for increased security measures in public areas, particularly around hospitals where vulnerable individuals often visit.
As police continue their search and the investigation unfolds, the community remains on high alert, hoping for the swift apprehension of the suspect and a safe return of the stolen vehicle.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of crime and the importance of community vigilance. As more details emerge, residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
The woman’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they focus on her recovery. The community is rallying around them, offering support and well wishes for her health.
As the search continues, the police are reminding the public to always be aware of their surroundings and to take precautions, especially in busy areas such as hospital parking lots.
In light of this incident, Casey Hospital has reiterated its commitment to patient and visitor safety, stating that they are reviewing their security protocols to prevent future occurrences of such violent crimes.
While the investigation is ongoing, the community's resilience shines through, with many coming together to support the victim and her family. The hope is that justice will be served and that such incidents will be prevented in the future.
As the police work diligently to solve this case, community members are urged to remain vigilant and to report any sightings of the stolen vehicle or information about the suspect.
In the meantime, the woman’s condition remains a priority for her family and medical staff, who are working tirelessly to ensure her recovery.
This shocking event highlights the need for community awareness and proactive measures to enhance safety in public spaces, especially those frequented by families and individuals in vulnerable situations.
As authorities continue their investigation, they are hopeful that with the public’s help, they will soon apprehend the suspect and recover the stolen vehicle.
