Baby girl killed in car crash during family day out
A baby girl has died on the way to see the penguins on Phillip Island after her family’s car was hit by a Mercedes, which drove through a stop sign.
The 24-year-old driver had alcohol in his system and was reportedly speeding before the crash on Saturday.
The toddler was in the back seat with her mum, while her dad and nine-year-old sister were in the front and received only minor injuries.
“I feel just terrible for the parents,” resident Meg Newman said.
The occupants of the car travelling behind them stopped to perform CPR on the girl's tiny body, but she died in hospital a short time later.
“People don’t get over this. A little girl, just over one year old, doesn’t get to see Christmas, doesn’t even get to open presents on Christmas Day,” Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said.
“We’re now at 281 deaths on our roads, we’re just asking everyone to focus on one thing - get there safely for Christmas.”
The 24-year-old driver was said to be distraught but police said he had been drinking, while locals reported seeing the car driving recklessly earlier in the night.
He was arrested but released on Sunday pending further investigation by major collision detectives.
While there are some signs warning drivers they need to stop, locals say it's not enough for those who aren’t familiar with the road, like the thousands of young tourists who visit the area every summer.
Residents Paul and Ida Lom have repeatedly asked the Bass council and Vic Roads for speed bumps to no avail.
“It’s a very popular beach with young kids and Long Street, they just hoon up and they forget about this intersection and keep going,” Mr Lom told 7 News.
The tragedy moves Victoria’s road death toll to 281 for the year.
Today's top news stories – December 19
