Man charged after Maribyrnong crash leaves five-year-old in critical condition

A Flemington man has been charged over an alleged crash at Maribyrnong which left a five-year-old girl with critical injuries.

A Flemington man has been charged over an alleged crash at Maribyrnong which left a five-year-old girl with critical injuries.

The young girl was travelling with a 34-year-old Sunshine North woman on Birdwood St when their car was allegedly hit by a white Toyota sedan about 6pm on December 14.

She was rushed to Royal Children’s Hospital fighting for her life, where she remains in a serious but stable condition six days later, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

A Victoria Police spokesman said the Toyota had been identified by police after allegedly passing a tram on the wrong side of the road moments before the crash.

“A marked police vehicle (allegedly) observed the oncoming Toyota overtaking a tram on the wrong side of Gordon Street shortly before the collision,” he said.

“The collision occurred before the police unit was able to attempt to intercept the Toyota.”

The woman and child were rushed to hospital with serious injuries, while the alleged driver of the vehicle, a 26-year-old Flemington man, was taken to hospital under police guard with serious injuries.

He was released from hospital on December 17 and formally interviewed by police, resulting in charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious injury and recklessly causing injury.

He has not entered pleas and will next appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 15.

A passenger in the vehicle, a 24-year-old Flemington man, was also taken to hospital, while a third occupant was seen fleeing the scene on foot.

The spokesman said police had reason to believe he was carrying a knife at the time.

“He was last seen on Mitchell Street and is described as African in appearance, was wearing a red baseball cap and dark-coloured clothing,” he said.

“The investigation is ongoing.”
Anyone who witnessed the crash, has dashcam footage or further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.