North South Motorway stabbing witnesses tell of horrific scenes

Witnesses have told of the distressing aftermath when a mother allegedly stabbed her two children on Adelaide’s North South Motorway.

A man who raced to the aid of two children allegedly stabbed by their mother has described the confronting scene and praised the emergency services for their response time.

Alex Ellis, who arrived on the scene last night shortly after the stabbing occurred, told 7 News he quickly called triple-0.

“There was a lot of blood,” he said.

“And just trying to figure out where all the wounds were coming from but we couldn’t do that at the time … everyone was pretty shaken up.

“A couple of jumpers were used to help the wounds.”

Mr Ellis worked to help the two little boys, aged 3 and 8, following the incident.

He said a good Samaritan who allegedly restrained the offender – named in court this afternoon as Megan Jayne Somerville, 35, from Modbury Heights – had probably saved the children’s lives.

Megan Jayne Somerville, 35, of Modbury Heights. Picture Facebook

Megan Jayne Somerville, 35, of Modbury Heights. Picture: Facebook

Alex Ellis, who went to the aid of two children stabbed on the North South Motorway overnight. Picture: 7NEWS

“When I turned up there, there was an absolute champion who was helping, doing what he could to keep the situation under control,” he said.

“I just know that there was a knife not far away and I know he had restrained her and he told us that he prevented this woman from doing more stabbing,” he said.

“He deserves a medal, he’s brilliant.

“To keep the woman restrained was just an incredible thing to start with but then … to ascertain what the problem was with the kids.”

The man praised emergency services for their response time. “

“The ambulance and police were there very quickly, responded immediately. I was a bit shaken.

“It was a bit scary and a lot of adrenaline but thankfully the police were doing their job, the ambulance were doing their job.

“I’ve got kids myself … you don’t like to see that sort of thing it’s pretty horrific.”

He said the alleged offender “seemed to be a bit out of it”.

“Just hearing from the police today that the kids are better … it’s not over with but at the end of the day … that’s really good news,” he said.

Other witnesses told 7 News Ms Somerville shouting “Mummy loves you” as she was taken from the scene in an ambulance.

Police at the scene where a women allegedly stabbed her children overnight. Picture: 7 NEWS

Superintendent Selena Dinning, Officer in Charge of Western District, speaks to the media at Police Headquarters on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

REPLAY THE POLICE PRESS CONFERENCE:

The two children remain in hospital following the incident. They were both undergoing surgery today.

Police have charged Ms Somerville with two counts of attempted murder.

They allege she stopped her silver Honda sedan at the intersection of South Rd and Grand Junction Rd about 11.30pm on Monday and removed her sons, aged 8 and 3, before attacking them with a knife.

The children were taken to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and treated for critical injuries.

SA Police Superintendent Selena Dinning thanked those heroes who stopped on the motorway and intervened, restraining the woman until police arrived.

“We are extremely grateful to the people that stopped and rendered assistance,” Supt Dinning said.

“No doubt, the situation would have been much different had they not stopped.

“We think he (the man who was first to intervene and disarm the woman) was very brave in doing this and we are really pleased that he was in the right place at the right time.”

Police also confirmed they had been in contact with the children’s father and close relatives about the ongoing care of the children.