The incident occurred outside the Supanova Comic Con and Gaming event at the Melbourne Showgrounds on Langs Road in Ascot Vale, just after 5pm on Saturday. A grey Toyota vehicle mounted a kerb and struck pedestrians, hitting two males in their 20s. One of the men died at the scene, while the other was hospitalized with life-threatening or serious injuries.
The car continued along the footpath after striking the pedestrians, traveling approximately 120 meters and passing between trees or fences. Harrowing footage showed a pair of black shoes on the footpath after the crash, according to major media reports. A third person, a male pedestrian who was with the group, was not struck by the vehicle.
There is a discrepancy regarding his condition: one source indicates he was unhurt, while another reports he was taken to hospital for shock. The deceased pedestrian has not been formally identified, according to police. The trio had been at the Supanova Comic Con and Gaming event, multiple sources confirm.
Police arrested a 33-year-old man at the scene, identified as Awer Dau from Werribee by The Independent. The driver was arrested by an off-duty police officer assisted by members of the public. Police have arrested a man who is set to be interviewed, authorities confirmed.
We are deeply saddened and distressed but will continue the convention as planned.
The driver is well known to police and facing bail concerns, but his bail status has not been confirmed, according to police statements. The driver is unlicensed and held only a learner permit, police said. The driver has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and culpable driving causing death.
Police are investigating whether speed, alcohol, or drugs were involved. The car is believed to be a rental or hire vehicle. Supanova organizers issued a statement expressing deep sadness and distress but said the convention would continue as planned, with a minute's silence held at 10am to honor the victims.
Victoria Police are calling for witnesses, CCTV/dashcam vision, or information, authorities announced. Key unknowns remain about the incident. It is not clear what caused the driver to swerve onto the footpath and whether it was intentional or accidental.
The exact model of the Toyota vehicle involved in the crash has not been specified. The current bail status of the arrested driver and whether he has been formally interviewed by police are also undetermined. Further unknowns include the identities of the deceased and injured victims, and their conditions beyond being life-threatening or serious.
Whether toxicology reports or forensic examinations have been completed to determine if drugs or alcohol were factors is still under investigation.