Vehicle Incident Outside Melbourne Convention Leaves One Dead, One Seriously Injured

A 33-year-old man has been charged after a vehicle mounted a curb and struck pedestrians outside the Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one death and one serious injury. The incident occurred as people were leaving a fan convention. Police investigations are ongoing.

Incident Overview

On Saturday, April 27, shortly before 5 p.m., a vehicle struck pedestrians on Langs Road in Ascot Vale, outside the Melbourne Showgrounds. The location was adjacent to Gate 2 of the venue, which was hosting the Supanova Comic Con & Gaming event.

Police have stated the investigation will examine the potential roles of drugs, alcohol, and speed. The exact circumstances leading to the collision have not been established.

Casualties and Injuries

• A 20-year-old man from Keysborough, identified in one report as Volkan Aksoy, died at the scene.
• A second 20-year-old man was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was reported to have suffered a cracked skull and a fractured leg and was later listed in serious but stable condition.
• A third pedestrian, also a young man, was taken to a hospital for assessment of trauma but was not physically injured. He has since been discharged.

Vehicle and Driver Details

• The involved vehicle was a Toyota sedan, described in various reports as a silver Toyota, a grey Toyota Echo, or a blue-grey sedan. Police have stated the vehicle is believed to be a rental.
• The driver, a 33-year-old man from Werribee identified in one report as Amer Dau, was arrested at the scene.
• Police stated the driver was unlicensed, holding only a learner permit, and was on bail at the time of the incident. He is known to police.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

• Witnesses reported that after the collision, the driver attempted to flee but was restrained by members of the public. An off-duty police officer assisted in detaining the driver until on-duty officers arrived.
• The driver was taken to a hospital under police guard.
• On Sunday, April 28, the driver was charged with dangerous driving causing death and culpable driving. An additional charge of committing an indictable offence whilst on bail was also reported.
• The accused made no application for bail during a court appearance and was remanded in custody until a hearing scheduled for September. Police have stated further charges are possible.

Police Investigation

Victoria Police's Major Collision Investigation Unit is leading the inquiry.

• Preliminary reports indicate the vehicle veered onto the wrong side of Langs Road, mounted the kerb, and traveled approximately 120 meters along the footpath before stopping.
• Detectives have ruled out terrorism as a motive. The investigation into whether the act was deliberate is ongoing.
• Police have appealed to the public for any relevant information, CCTV, or dash cam footage.

Event Context and Response

• The Supanova Comic Con & Gaming event was scheduled to run throughout the weekend at the Melbourne Showgrounds, with an estimated attendance of up to 26,000 people.
• Event organizers issued a statement expressing they were "deeply saddened and distressed by the incident" and that their "thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected."
• The convention continued its schedule, holding a minute's silence at midday on Sunday in sympathy for those affected. Organizers noted the incident occurred outside the showgrounds precinct.
• Victoria State Premier Jacinta Allan described the event as a "tragic incident" and expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.