Woman fighting for life after being dragged by car in hit-and-run
Police are hunting for a heartless Sydney driver who dragged a pedestrian for several metres before leaving her for dead.
Lan Cliff was out walking her dog in Maroubra, in the city’s east, when she was hit by a car and thrown into the path of another.
She is critically ill in hospital.
The woman’s friends described her as a caring and affectionate woman.
And it was those traits, they believe, that led her to run after her dog when it darted onto on Fitzgerald Avenue on Friday night.
“Just second nature to her to look after the dog first and [herself] second unfortunately,” Rochelle Leonard told 7 News.
The 47-year-old was hit first by a westbound Toyota Corolla, flung across the road where she was then hit by a car going the other way. Her dog was killed.
Shocked at what had just happened, the driver of the Corolla stopped and tried to help Ms Cliff, but the other motorist drove off.
That car has been described as a light-coloured old model.
Police say the second driver would have been aware they had hit the woman.
“They have dragged the poor female for some distance, so they would be aware that they have collided and they would have damage on their vehicle,” Acting Inspector Naomi Earle told reporters.
“How would you feel if it was your daughter, your mother, your sister or girlfriend that was involved and someone has just left them there?”
Ms Cliff remains at Sydney’s St George Hospital in a critical condition.
She has serious internal injuries and has been placed into an induced coma. Her husband by her bedside.
“We just hope that she can pull through from this. Just prayers, prayers for Lan,” Ms Leonard said.
With no security vision, crash investigators are relying on witnesses, and looking for dash camera footage to find the second driver.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
