Key Takeaways
- A 38-year-old man has been charged with eight counts of attempted murder after an alleged hit and run on the Sunshine Coast
- The incident occurred on Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore, where a vehicle deliberately struck eight pedestrians, including a 24-year-old woman who is fighting for her life
- The driver fled the scene and was arrested at a nearby residence a short time later
- A "minor" altercation between the driver and a group of males occurred prior to the alleged hit-and-run
- The incident has left a family devastated, with the victim’s family flying from New South Wales to be with their daughter in hospital
Introduction to the Incident
A horrific incident has occurred on the Sunshine Coast, where a man has been charged with eight counts of attempted murder after an alleged hit and run that has left a young woman fighting for her life. The incident occurred on Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore, where a vehicle deliberately struck eight pedestrians, including a 24-year-old woman from New South Wales. According to Detective Acting Inspector Peter Hocken, the evidence collected at the scene suggests that the incident was an intentional and deliberate act. The driver of the Toyota Yaris, a 38-year-old man, fled the scene and was arrested at a nearby residence a short time later.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident occurred just before midnight on Saturday, when the vehicle struck the group of pedestrians, including six males and two females. The 24-year-old woman was flown to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition. Two 18-year-old men and a 19-year-old man were taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in serious conditions, but they have since been released. The 38-year-old man is due to face court in Maroochydore on Monday. Emergency services were called to Aerodrome Road after reports of a vehicle striking a group of people. The scene was met with a large police presence, with officers working to piece together the events surrounding the incident.
The Events Leading Up to the Incident
Acting Inspector Hocken revealed that a "minor" altercation occurred between the driver and a group of males prior to the alleged hit-and-run. The incident occurred when the males were crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing, and the male driver took offence to it. The altercation lasted only a few minutes and was minor in nature. However, the driver’s actions that followed were anything but minor. Police allege that the man drove off and then returned a short time later, mounting the footpath where the group of pedestrians were walking. The two females, including the 24-year-old woman, were unknown to the other males and just happened to be walking on the sidewalk at the time.
The Aftermath
The incident has left a family devastated, with the victim’s family flying from New South Wales to be with their daughter in hospital. The 24-year-old woman had arrived in Queensland just to spend some time with family before Christmas, and her family is now by her side as she fights for her life. Acting Inspector Hocken said that the incident was a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be aware of their surroundings. The incident is still under investigation, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The 38-year-old man’s court appearance on Monday will be closely watched, as the community seeks justice for the victims and their families.
The Investigation Continues
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police working to piece together the events surrounding the alleged hit-and-run. The police are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. The community is in shock, and many are struggling to come to terms with the senseless act of violence. The incident has raised questions about road safety and the need for drivers to be aware of their surroundings. As the investigation continues, the community will be watching closely to see justice served for the victims and their families. The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of being vigilant and aware of our surroundings, and the need for drivers to be responsible and courteous on the roads.