DELIBERATE ATTACK: Driver Charged with Eight Counts of Attempted Murder After Horror Hit-and-Run on Sunshine Coast Leaves Young Woman Fighting for Life
- A 23-year-old woman from New South Wales is in a critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in Maroochydore
- The 38-year-old driver allegedly deliberately targeted a group of eight pedestrians before fleeing the scene
- Two 18-year-old men and a 19-year-old man were also seriously injured in the incident, but have since been released from hospital
In a shocking and devastating incident, a young woman is fighting for her life after being deliberately struck by a vehicle in a horror hit-and-run on the Sunshine Coast. The 23-year-old, who had travelled from New South Wales to visit family, was walking on the side of Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore just before midnight on Saturday when the tragedy occurred.
Detective Acting Inspector Peter Hocken revealed that police believe the 38-year-old driver of the Toyota Yaris intentionally targeted the group of eight pedestrians, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in his wake. “She came from New South Wales to visit some family members as a surprise and was only meant to be staying for a couple of days,” Detective Hocken said, his voice heavy with emotion. “She was minding her business walking on the side of the road when she was struck by this vehicle.”
The driver, who fled the scene and was later found in a nearby residence, has been charged with eight counts of attempted murder. According to Detective Hocken, the incident was linked to a “minor” altercation between the driver and a group of males just moments before the attack. “The incident prior lasted only a few minutes, it was minor in nature,” he explained.
Two women walking on the sidewalk, who were not involved in the altercation, were also caught up in the horror incident. Miraculously, two 18-year-old men and a 19-year-old man, who were seriously injured, have since been released from Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
The young woman remains in a critical condition at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, leaving her family and loved ones reeling in shock and disbelief. As the investigation continues, the community is left to pick up the pieces and grapple with the senseless violence that has torn their lives apart.