Woman dead after car crashes into restaurant at Melbourne shopping centre
Updated . First published at
A woman has been killed and another person injured after a car crashed into a restaurant outside a busy shopping centre in Melbourne’s east.
Emergency services were called to Westfield Knox in Wantirna South about 12.145pm on Monday following reports a car had lost control and hit a pedestrian, before slamming into a building.
A 27-year-old woman has died following the crash. Nine
Police arrived to find a Tesla had ploughed into the front of Martini+Co, outside the shopping centre.
A 27-year-old woman who was standing at a pedestrian crossing outside the restaurant was hit and killed.
She is yet to be formally identified and police are yet to inform her next of kin.
Victoria Police initially said the victim was believed to have been dining at the restaurant, before clarifying she was a pedestrian nearby.
A second person was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Inspector Ben Gordon told reporters police believe the driver of the Tesla may have failed to give way at the zebra crossing near the restaurant, causing the car to veer into the venue.
The car crashed into a steel pylon on impact and caused significant damage.
The 51-year-old female driver of the car and their passenger have been taken to Alfred Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The driver is assisting police with the investigation.
The owners of Martini+Co said the venue was closed following an “accident”, in an update on Facebook.
It is believed the driver lost control, hitting a pedestrian before crashing into the restaurant. Supplied
“We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” the statement reads.
“Please stay safe, and we’ll keep you updated when we can reopen.”
Police say the crash was likely an accident.
“Police do not believe the incident was an intentional act,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
Police arrived to find a car had ploughed into the front of Martini+Co. Nine
Officers have spoken to customers and staff who witnessed the crash.
A crime scene has been established and Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives will investigate.
Police are also investigating a second, unrelated incident just metres away at Westfield Knox in which a woman was hit by a bus.
An 84-year-old woman is critical after being hit by a bus in an unrelated incident. Supplied
The 84-year-old pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries and has been taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Gordon reiterated the incidents are not linked and said there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents, or has footage or other information about them, has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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