Horrific accident

NOBLE Park residents risked their own safety to lend a hand on Saturday night, following a three-car collision that left a toddler with a fractured skull.
Greater Dandenong CIU Detective Senior Constable Nick Lamb wants to personally thank those who helped free a family of seven from their overturned van on Heatherton Road, Noble Park, shortly after 7.30pm on 19 January.
“People are always willing to help, but to this extent – it’s not common,” he said.
“They should be applauded for their actions.”
He and two Greater Dandenong CIU colleagues were the first emergency services members at the scene, between Briggs Crescent and Ellendale Road.
A white AU model Ford Falcon sedan and a dark-coloured Ford Fiesta had been travelling east when the sedan clipped the Fiesta and forced it into oncoming traffic.
A Mercedes Vito van travelling in the opposite direction collided with the Fiesta and rolled over.
“It had been hit so hard that it was on its side and it slid along the road,” Det Sen Const Lamb said.
“At that time, the Falcon sped off.
“We’re appealing for that driver to hand themselves in.”
In the van was a wife and husband, his elderly parents and three children aged 3 to 8 years.
The 3-year-old boy suffered a fractured skull and broken femur and was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“They were horrific injuries,” Det Sen Const Lamb said.
“He was in and out of consciousness.”
The elderly woman suffered a fractured collarbone and was taken to Dandenong Hospital.
There were three women in the Fiesta and the driver, aged in her 20s, was taken to Dandenong Hospital with a broken leg.
Det Sen Const Lamb said he found community members rushing to the family’s aid when he arrived – despite the risk of an explosion from the badly-damaged van.
“There was a bloke on top of the van pulling the driver out, and two men inside,” he said.
“Residents came out and assisted with towels and water, and caring for the other two young children while first aid was administered to the 3-year-old.”
He said it was fantastic as a police officer to have so much help from the local community.
“I personally would like to praise their efforts,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see the public getting involved, and putting their own safety at risk to an extent, to help out this family.”
Det Sen Const Lamb said he had been unable to note the names of all those who helped out.
“I would like them to come forward so I can personally thank them for their help,” he said.
He can be contacted at Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487.
Anyone with information on the sedan’s driver, who’s noticed a car matching the description with new damage, or who witnessed the accident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.