Helen Haines’ family identified the independent Australian lawmaker as the critically injured woman struck by a vehicle in Wangaratta on Monday, Oct. 19, as police investigated whether the collision was deliberate.
Victoria Police said a white Toyota LandCruiser struck a 65-year-old woman on Murphy Street. Haines’ family identified her as the woman and said she was receiving medical care.
Police said a passerby detained the driver, a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, after he left the vehicle. He was taken into police custody. Officers found a knife inside the vehicle.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident appeared deliberate, while its motive remained unknown. He said a joint counterterrorism team had been activated. Police said they were investigating whether the collision was intentional.
Haines has represented the Victorian electorate of Indi in Australia’s Parliament since 2019. Her family thanked the bystanders, health workers and police who responded. Police asked witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward; no timetable for the investigation has been announced.
