A tragic incident unfolded outside a gaming convention when a car reportedly veered into a group of fans, resulting in one fatality and leaving another individual in critical condition. In a perplexing twist, authorities revealed that the vehicle continued to travel 120 meters after the impact, a detail they described as ‘extremely odd.’
The incident involved a grey Toyota that reportedly mounted the curb where three men were standing outside the Supanova Comic Con and Gaming event at Melbourne Showgrounds. The collision occurred just after 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Tragically, the car is said to have hit the group as they were leaving the event. One of the victims, both in their 20s, died at the scene, while another was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy shared that a 33-year-old man from Werribee, allegedly the driver of the vehicle, was apprehended at the scene by an off-duty police officer.
“For reasons yet unknown, the car crossed the southbound lanes and mounted the footpath, striking two young males in their 20s who were walking in a group of three,” he explained.
“One of the males died at the scene, while the other sustained severe injuries to his lower limbs and was transported to the hospital,” he added.
Supanova Comic Con & Gaming organisers released a statement, saying a minute’s silence will be held as the two-day event continues at 10am on Sunday.
Detective Inspector McEvoy said it was ‘extremely odd’ as the vehicle had ‘travelled a significant distance along the footpath’.
The grey Toyota is understood to have mounted a curb where three men were standing outside the Supanova Comic Con and Gaming event at the Melbourne Showgrounds, on Saturday
The incident happened at the Melbourne Showgrounds, killing one and seriously injuring another
‘The car then travelled along the footpath approximately another 120metres where it has come to rest,’ he said.
‘The driver was then arrested by an off-duty police officer who was assisted by members of the public.’
Police are investigating what sparked the incident, including whether speed, alcohol or drugs were involved.
The driver remains under police guard in hospital.
A witness, Tom, was leaving the convention with his wife and daughter when they saw a Toyota allegedly speed past them on Langs Road.
‘I heard a screech and a guy (allegedly) mounted the kerb at an erratic speed, hit a couple people,’ Tom told The Age.
Tom said the car did a U-turn before driving back down the street.
The driver then stalled, according to the witness, who attempted to perform a citizen’s arrest.
The driver, who is believed to be ‘well known’ to police, remains under police guard at hospital
‘I said, “You’re not going anywhere, mate”,’ Tom said.
Victoria Police quickly arrived and arrested the driver.
Tom said his wife, who is a paramedic, worked on a victim who was allegedly hit by the car for 20 minutes before ambulances arrived.
‘He couldn’t move, but he was breathing,’ Tom said.
Supanova is a convention about science fiction and fantasy TV shows, comic books, gaming and collectables.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam vision or have any information, to contact Crime Stoppers.
The Supanova Comic Con and Gaming event posted a statement on Facebook, sharing its condolences to those impacted by the incident.
‘We here at Supanova Comic Con & Gaming are deeply saddened and distressed by the incident that occurred outside the Melbourne Showgrounds this evening,’ the statement read.
‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the unspeakable tragedy that has happened on our doorstep.’
The convention will continue as planned today.
‘Supanova will continue to support all Supa-Fans that come through our doors tomorrow morning, and we will be holding a minute’s silence in sympathy and solidarity of the affected families and friends at 10am before opening our doors to our event,’ the statement said.
