Around 12:20 pm yesterday, a quiet afternoon at a local playground on Coleman Road in Wantirna South turned into a scene of horror. A silver hatchback veered sharply off the road, hit three pedestrians walking along the footpath, crashed through a fence, and came to a stop near swings and benches. Neighbours watched in shock, emergency sirens pierced the air, and within minutes, fight-or-flight instincts took over — some rushed to help, others froze in disbelief.
Pedestrians Hit: One Fatal, Others Critically Injured
This collision was not insignificant. One adult tragically died on scene and a second was taken by ambulance in critical condition to The Alfred Hospital. Even more tragically, their young child, approximately 3-4 years, suffered significant injuries and was transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital. The suddenness of the incident made it all the more emotional.
- Nearby was a smashed pram.
- Eyewitnesses, with tears in their eyes, removed the elderly driver from the vehicle.
- An SES tent was quickly erected beside the playground fence that was destroyed.
Emergency vehicles - helicopters, multiple ambulances and police vehicles - rapidly swarmed the scene. Roads were closed from Stud Road to Lewis Road. Concern and chaos instantly filled Wantirna South.
Elderly Driver and Possible Medical Episode
Police confirmed the driver was a 91-year-old woman; she was shaken but only suffered minor injuries, and she was taken to the hospital for assessment. It is not yet known what caused the incident, whether driver error, such as a foot acceleration error, or a sudden health problem.
🔥 BREAKING🔥
— Lozzy B 🇦🇺𝕏 (@LaurynBahen) July 10, 2025
Multiple people have been struck by a car on Coleman Road in Wantirna South, Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/ox8cfwjG2e
- Speed checks on the downhill stretch.
- Whether the driver suffered any serious health event while behind the wheel.
- If any mechanical failure occurred on the car.
Superintendent Justin Goldsmith described it as "an absolute tragedy". He also said they did not yet know whether the pedestrians share any familial relationship.
Why This Playground Location Is Risky
This isn’t the first time that part of Coleman Road has triggered concern. A playground, foot path, and bus stop all sit dangerously close to a downhill road bend. Locals say:
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There are no speed bumps.
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The footpath is narrow and close to traffic.
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Fences have been hit before.
These aren’t guesses — parents who walk here daily have issues with kids playing too close to fast-moving cars. One resident posted on Instagram: “This fence has been hit before… how many warnings do we need?” The comment struck a nerve.
Hidden risk points:
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Steel fence is light and may not stop a moving vehicle.
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Footpath width forces walkers closer to traffic.
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No visible warning signs or speed calming devices.
Community Reaction: Fear, Anger, Resolve
On X @MickamiousG called it "Horrific"
Horrific
— Mickamious (@MickamiousG) July 10, 2025
1 person is dead, 2 severely injured.
There is no details in how the vehicle left the road other than to say it was a freak accident.
Thoughts are with all the families affected by this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/UnkkmoGqbo
Discussion posts say they’re organizing community advocacy — petitions for speed humps, better signage, and sturdier barriers.
It’s not just talk. Locals are pulling dashcam footage and encouraging anyone who saw or heard anything around 12:20 pm to ring Crime Stoppers.
What the Council and Police Will Do Next
Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit is digging into the details. They’ll inspect:
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Vehicle speed and brake use.
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Whether the crash was accidental or mechanical failure.
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Health data from the driver.
Police are urging witnesses to share dashcam or traffic camera footage.
Council is being urged to:
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Add speed humps near the playground.
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Improve fencing quality.
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Place clearer pedestrian warning signs and markings.
Why This Accident Hits So Close to Home
Wantirna South isn’t city-central — it feels safe and suburban. But when something like this happens, it shatters that calm. With roughly 21,000 residents, many families use these parks daily. Spots like Lewis Park, Nortons Park, and the Blind Creek Trail are normally peaceful. But now everyone’s realizing how fast things can turn violent on the road.
It’s not just about this crash. It’s about stopping the next one before it happens.
These aren’t politicians. They’re people trying to make sense of a random crash that happened next to their kids’ playground.
Next Steps for Safety in Wantirna South
People are already demanding a change. If there is a silver lining to this, it is that this community is coming together. What happens next?
- Police are likely to release updates after the forensic investigation.
- Council may have emergency discussions about safety measures in the coming days or weeks.
- Neighbours may discuss the designs and fundraising to put in speed-humps or barriers.
- Local media and advocacy groups may push awareness of the issue until something is acted on.
Breaking it down: what matters now?
- Justice & closure for victims: families need answers and support.
- Safer design: basic design — speed bumps or upgraded fencing — is the difference in life and death.
- Unity: people are coming together, talking, pushing. That is hope.
- Future prevention: not just reacting now — how do we make it a safer road long term?
Emotional Weight of the Story
This is more than a crash. It’s lives changed forever. It’s families in pain. It’s a playground parents may now hesitate to use. It’s a community waking up — angry, sad, scared, but motivated.
Even experienced journalists can’t capture rawness like a beginner — the kind of voice that’s afraid, hopeful, caring. That’s what needs to be heard now.
