Source : Perth Now news
A woman has died and another has been critically injured after two crashes at a popular shopping centre in Melbourne’s east.
A 27-year-old was woman was standing at a pedestrian crossing outside Westfield Knox Shopping Centre in Wantirna South about 12.45pm on Monday when she was struck by a Tesla.
Police believe the car lost control before it hit the pedestrian and slammed into the side of the building, ramming through the Martini + Co restaurant.
The crash caused significant damage to the building, with parts of the outdoor seating crushed underneath its chassis.
The pedestrian who was struck, a 27-year-old woman, died at the scene.
The driver of a the Tesla, a 51-year-old woman from Wantirna, and her female passenger, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A 27-year-old woman has died after the crash near a Westfield shopping centre in Knox
“Police do not believe the incident was an intentional act,” a police statement read.
Inspector Ben Gordon said the driver may have failed to give way at the pedestrian crossing, causing her to launch into the side of the restaurant.
The owners of the restaurant apologised to customers as the venue shut its doors.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” they wrote on social media.
“Please stay safe, and we’ll keep you updated when we can reopen.”
Less than an hour before the fatal crash, an elderly woman was hit by a bus in a separate incident at the same shopping centre.
“The driver of the bus was not physically injured and there were no passengers on board at the time,” police said.
The 84-year-old woman sustained life-threatening injuries to her lower body and was taken to The Alfred hospital, where she remains in a critical condition on Tuesday morning.
Police are yet to determine there cause of the crash and have urged anyone with information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
