July 11, 2025

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Incident Overview
A 59-year-old woman has died, and a 60-year-old man and a two-year-old boy remain in hospital following a fatal crash on Coleman Road in Wantirna South, Melbourne. The incident occurred on Thursday, July 11, 2025, when a 91-year-old woman reportedly lost control of her car, veering onto the footpath and striking three pedestrians before crashing through a park fence. The toddler is now listed in stable condition. The driver, who sustained minor injuries, is yet to be formally interviewed by police.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, July 11, 2025 (afternoon)
  • Location: Coleman Road, Wantirna South, Melbourne, Victoria

Vehicles Involved

  • Grey hatchback – driven by a 91-year-old woman; mounted the footpath and continued through park fencing

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • A 59-year-old woman died at the scene.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • A 60-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalised.
    • A two-year-old boy was also critically injured and is now in stable condition.
  • Other Injuries:
    • The 91-year-old driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries. She remains “terribly shaken” and has not yet been interviewed by police.

Emergency Response
Victoria Police, paramedics, and SES attended the scene immediately. A large emergency presence cordoned off the area, including the footpath and nearby playground where the vehicle came to rest. A tent was erected for victim privacy while forensic analysis was conducted.

Investigation
Detectives from Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit are examining the full circumstances surrounding the crash. Key investigation points include:

  • Whether the crash was caused by a medical episode, distraction, or loss of control
  • The vehicle’s speed and trajectory on the downhill section of Coleman Road
  • Driver capacity and potential licensing concerns due to the driver’s age

Police emphasised the incident does not appear to be intentional. A full report will be prepared for the coroner. The 91-year-old driver remains unfit for questioning at this stage.

Community Impact
This incident has drawn strong emotional reactions across Victoria. Superintendent Justin Goldsmith described the event as “an absolute tragedy” and part of a particularly deadly week on Victorian roads, which has now claimed 14 lives in just seven days. The crash has reignited debate over elderly driver testing and footpath safety infrastructure.

Witnesses/Appeals
Victoria Police are seeking any CCTV or dashcam footage from Coleman Road or the surrounding area around the time of the crash (Thursday afternoon, July 11, 2025). Witnesses are urged to contact: