Two women killed on Hume Freeway while trying to help injured kangaroo

Two women were killed on a major Melbourne freeway after they were struck by a car while trying to assist a kangaroo they had just hit.

Police said the women were travelling south on the Hume Freeway in Craigieburn about 7.30pm on Thursday when their car hit a kangaroo and they stopped to help it.

Another car travelling in the same direction on the multi-lane freeway then hit the women on the busy freeway.

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said police believed the driver of the second car did not see the women’s parked car until the last minute.

“[The driver] swerved to avoid the car and it has struck the two females at relatively high speed,” Weir told ABC radio on Friday morning.

“Sadly, one of the ladies was killed almost straight away and the other lady was transported to hospital where she passed away during the night as well.”

The speed limit at that spot on the multi-lane highway is 100km/h.

A Beveridge woman, aged 30, died at the scene. A Thomastown woman, also 30, was flown to hospital but died a short time later.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is assisting police with their investigation.

Nine people have lost their lives on Victorian roads over the past four days: three pedestrians, three motorcyclists and three people in vehicles.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell said the women should be remembered for their “heroic actions”.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the two brave women who tragically lost their lives trying to help an animal in need,” she said.

“This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves throughout the rescue community and is a stark and devastating reminder that wildlife road-strike does not only harm our animals – it also places human lives at risk.”

John Grant, a spokesman for wildlife rescue organisation WIRES, said it was “terribly sad news”.

“People get so distressed when they see an animal on the side of road, and it’s fully understandable that they try to help,” he told ABC radio on Friday morning.

Grant urged anyone who saw an injured animal on or by the side of the road to contact wildlife rescue groups as their first response.

Wildlife Victoria chief executive Lisa Palma said there had been 15,038 animal strikes on Victorian roads this year, up 40.5 per cent compared to the same time last year. Eastern grey kangaroos are the main species being hit.

“If an animal is reported in on any freeway, Wildlife Victoria’s emergency response service will immediately report all cases into 000 police if it is considered a safety concern/road hazard,” she said.

“Our volunteers may be requested to attend to assist in euthanising the animal if is safe to do so with police’s presence.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

With Kieran Rooney and Hanna Mills Turbet

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