Police Investigate Seatbelt Use After Melbourne Crash Leaves Two Children Seriously Injured – Wantirna South, VIC – 23 October 2025

Incident Overview
Police are investigating seatbelt compliance after two children were critically injured in a collision in Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Wantirna South on Thursday night, October 23, 2025.

The crash occurred at about 8:20 pm when a Toyota Corolla carrying a family of four collided with another vehicle at the intersection of High Street Road and Wallace Road.

An 11-year-old girl was rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital with critical injuries and remains in a serious condition. Her four-year-old brother was also seriously injured, while their parents suffered minor injuries.

Police allege the children’s mother failed to give way at the intersection and are investigating whether both children were unrestrained or not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

“Even on short trips, please make sure your children are properly restrained in appropriate restraints in the back seat. They are in your hands, and hopefully we can avoid another tragedy like this.” — Detective Sergeant Stephen Hill, Major Collision Investigation Unit

Location and Time

• Crash Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 (approximately 8:20 pm)
• Location: Intersection of High Street Road and Wallace Road, Wantirna South, Melbourne, Victoria

Vehicles Involved

• Toyota Corolla, carrying two adults and two children (family vehicle)
• Second vehicle, occupied by two 18-year-olds (both stopped to assist)

Injuries/Fatalities

• Fatalities: None reported.
• Serious Injuries:
  • 11-year-old girl — critical condition, later stabilised, treated at Royal Children’s Hospital.
  • 4-year-old boy — serious injuries, hospitalised in Melbourne.
• Minor Injuries:
  • Parents — sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

Emergency Response

• Emergency services were called to the crash around 8:20 pm.
• Paramedics provided CPR at the scene before transporting the two children to hospital.
• Witnesses, including occupants from the second vehicle, rendered assistance until first responders arrived.
• Detectives from the **Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU)** attended to examine the crash scene and vehicle restraint systems.

“A witness described the harrowing scene, saying they saw the mother carrying the little boy whilst the girl was being given CPR.” — 7NEWS Melbourne

Police Investigation
The Major Collision Investigation Unit is examining:

• Whether the children were properly restrained or unrestrained at the time of the crash.
• The sequence of events leading to the Toyota Corolla failing to give way at the intersection.
• Contributing factors such as visibility, traffic signal control, and driver attention.
• Eyewitness accounts and dashcam footage from nearby motorists between 8:10 pm and 8:30 pm.

Community Impact
The collision has prompted renewed warnings from police about the importance of properly restraining children on every trip, regardless of distance. Community members expressed distress over the crash, which occurred at a busy suburban intersection.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Hill reiterated that unrestrained children face significantly higher risk in collisions, urging all parents to double-check car seat fittings and restraint usage.

“They are in your hands, and hopefully we can avoid another tragedy like this.” — Detective Sergeant Stephen Hill, Victoria Police

Appeal for Information
Police are seeking assistance from any witnesses or motorists with relevant footage:

• Crime Stoppers VIC: Call 1800 333 000 or report anonymously at [www.crimestoppersvic.com.au](https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au)
• Witness Reporting: Contact Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit directly.