More than a year after enduring the traumatic event where her nine-month-old son, Luka, was injured in a random street incident involving hot coffee, his mother has announced she is expecting another child.
The unsettling event took place at Brisbane’s Hanlon Park on August 27, 2024. Luka was in the company of his mother and a friend when an unknown man approached and poured scalding coffee over the innocent baby.
The suspect, believed to be a Chinese national, swiftly fled the scene, initiating an international manhunt that continues to this day, with authorities still seeking his whereabouts.
Luka sustained serious injuries and was immediately hospitalized. Since the incident, he has undergone eight surgeries under general anesthesia due to severe burns on his chest, neck, and face.
Despite the hardship, Luka’s mother has been consistently updating others on his recovery journey and now shares a piece of uplifting news amidst the ongoing challenges.
In a heartfelt social media post, she expressed her joy, saying, “Luka is about to become a big brother, and I am confident he will excel in this new role, just as his sister eagerly awaits the arrival of her baby sister.”
‘We’re nervous, excited and incredibly grateful. Here’s to more joy, growing hearts, and all the chaos ahead.’
The announcement was shared alongside a photo of her two children smiling as they held a sign reading: ‘Baby girl, due Feb 2026.’
Luka’s mother has shared a heartwarming update revealing she is expecting another baby
Luka was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and has undergone eight major surgeries
The man, who is believed to be a Chinese national, fled the scene immediately
The news was met with a delighted response from followers who have rallied around the young family as they continue to wait for justice.
Police believe the 33-year-old prime suspect ran from the scene and boarded a flight to China just a few hours before authorities managed to identify him.
On Wednesday, more than 18 months on, China’s ambassador to Australia revealed a joint taskforce would be set up to investigate the attack.
Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian confirmed a ‘working group’ would travel from China to Brisbane to investigate the incident.
‘To talk with Australian colleagues, to see exactly what happened, how it happened, and see how both sides can work together,’ he said.
‘We’re now preparing for the working group to come, so we are serious in addressing this concern, and we’re serious in taking the necessary actions.’
Luka’s parents welcomed the move, saying this week they were ‘extremely grateful that the case remains ongoing.’
‘While our priority is always justice for Luka, at this time I am simply trying to focus on getting through this stage of my pregnancy safely and calmly,’ his mother said.
Luka’s parents are grateful the investigation is still ongoing
A joint taskforce would be set up to investigate the attack
‘We trust that everyone is doing everything in their power to ensure justice.’
The positive developments come after the family previously shared their frustration that Luka’s attacker remains on the run.
‘The person responsible has not been held accountable,’ the mother wrote last year.
‘The fact that someone can deliberately hurt a child and face no consequences is beyond unacceptable.
‘Our legal systems and international relationships should protect victims and children, yet they have failed to do so.
‘To those in positions of power, please don’t make it another year. Do not let this man escape accountability for hurting a child.’
But she also paid tribute to everyone who has stood by the family in the wake of the heartless unprovoked attack.
‘To those who have supported us over the past year, thank you,’ she added.
His mother maintains her priority is justice for Luka
The family have shared their frustration that Luka’s alleged attacker remains on the run
‘Your compassion has carried us through some incredibly difficult days.
‘We are deeply grateful to the medical staff, to the investigators who continue to pursue justice, and to the community that has rallied around our family.’
Australia has no extradition arrangement with China, but authorities remain confident they can pursue justice.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police said they are supporting a delegation of Chinese authorities visiting Brisbane.
‘The AFP values the ongoing cooperation from Chinese authorities and their shared commitment to pursue all avenues for justice in light of the alleged offender’s location,’ the statement said.
‘China has extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute its citizens for conduct which occurs outside China.
‘The QPS and AFP continue to work in close partnership to explore options for progressing this matter and are pursuing all available avenues.’
