UPDATE: A woman who was critically injured after being struck by a utility that mounted a seawall and flipped onto its roof at Altona beach on Thursday night is now in a stable condition.
The woman, in her 50s, was walking along the Esplanade, near Millers Road, with a man and their adult daughter, when the couple was hit by the ute just before 9pm.
The man is in a stable condition in The Alfred hospital. His daughter was treated for grazes.
Police said a white Hyundai SUV with two occupants and a white Mitsubishi dual-cab utility tray with four occupants travelling in the same direction on the Esplanade collided just before the pedestrians were hit.
Both drivers had reportedly travelled from Point Cook. Vehicles fitting their description were reported by several drivers between Old Geelong Road and Altona Meadows.
As a result of the collision, the utility ran off the road, struck the couple, careered over the wall and landed on its roof.
Passers-by and local residents rushed to help the injured people.
“I heard a big bang and then saw a white 4WD speed up Millers Road,” one resident said.
“Obviously, they collided just around the corner near Flemo’s [Fleming’s] Pool and then the ute went over and wiped out the family.
“The white 4WD almost crashed into the park here and then backed off and sped up Millers Road.
“There were a couple of locals helping. We thought it was people from the car but found out it was a mother and father and their kid wiped out as the car went over the wall.
“Imagine if it had been a bit warmer . . . there would have been more people around. It was bad enough as it is, two innocent people walking along with their kid severely injured by some f***ing idiots.”
The SUV driver, a 46-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, was charged with reckless conduct endangering life and was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on June 30.
The other driver, 38, of Altona Meadows, was charged with driving offences and was due to appear in court today (Wednesday).
Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have seen the two vehicles before the collision, in either Altona or Altona Meadows, to come forward.
Anyone with information is being urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
