Local council’s former mayor blasts fatal Essendon intersection

An intersection where an elderly woman was hit by a tram, later dying from her injuries, has been labelled a “complete mess” by angry locals.

A Melbourne intersection where an elderly woman was struck and killed by a tram has been blasted by a former local mayor, who says council had been advocating action before tragedy struck.

Police have been told a 99-year-old woman riding a mobility scooter was crossing Mount Alexander Rd near Lincoln Road in Essendon when she was hit by a tram at about 1.20pm on Tuesday. The Essendon North woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and died later that day.

A 99-year-old woman died after she was allegedly struck by a tram. Picture: Google Maps

Samantha Byrne, now Moonee Valley deputy mayor, said it was “devastating” to see another person die at the intersection.

“This is horrendously sad news and my thoughts are with everyone involved and the family and friends of the lady who was struck,” Ms Byrne said on Facebook on Wednesday.

“As a council, we have been advocating for improvements to this shocking intersection for a long time and it's devastating to see another person pass away,” she said.

In a separate post, referring to the local council’s strategy for the area, Ms Byrne said 57 crashes were reported at the intersection from 2012-2017, while a pedestrian was killed there in November 2018.

Moonee Valley deputy mayor Samantha Byrne said the Essendon intersection where a 99-year-old was killed on Tuesday had been the subject of frequent concern from residents. Picture: Facebook.

Online, residents took a less conciliatory tone.

“The world’s most stupid roundabout kills an innocent old lady,” one man said on Facebook.

“At least three incidents a week. This recipe for disaster has cost someone their life. Who is responsible for this?” they said.

The tram driver and a number of passengers were not injured.

Highway officers are investigating and are keen to speak to the passengers who had left the tram before police had arrived.

Police are keen to speak to the tram’s passengers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Anyone with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

VicRoads was contacted for comment.