SMYTHESDALE — A tragedy has unfolded in a quiet regional community today, as an infant girl has been airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a collision with a vehicle south-west of Ballarat.
Emergency services were scrambled to Vermont Road in Smythesdale at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday following distressing reports that a young child had been struck by a car. Local residents reported a heavy emergency presence shortly after the incident, as paramedics rushed to provide urgent care to the victim.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed that a significant medical response was deployed to the scene, including Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics and Advanced Life Support teams. Given the severity of the child’s injuries, a decision was made to transport the infant via air to Melbourne. The girl was flown directly to The Royal Children’s Hospital in a critical condition, where she remains under specialist care.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Smythesdale, a close-knit township of approximately 1,800 people located roughly 25 kilometres south-west of Ballarat. Police have since cordoned off a section of Vermont Road as part of an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Major Collision Investigation Unit officers are expected to examine the site to determine how the incident occurred. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the driver involved or the events leading up to the collision, but it is understood that they are assisting police with their inquiries.
Local authorities are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who may have relevant dashcam footage or information, to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers. As the investigation continues, police have urged the community to respect the privacy of the family involved during this incredibly difficult time.
Further updates are expected as the police investigation progresses and the condition of the child is monitored by hospital staff.
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