An elderly couple has been left injured and traumatised after a stolen ute slammed into their vehicle in Narre Warren, before the driver fled the scene.
Emergency services were called to Saxonwood Drive just after 5pm on 20 October following reports of a collision between a grey Toyota Hilux and a white Toyota Yaris.
The driver of the Toyota Yaris, a 75-year-old man and his 73-year-old passenger both from Casey, were taken to The Alfred hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators later determined the Hilux had been stolen from an address in Craigieburn on 28 August. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.
The family’s spokesperson (who requested anonymity) said the crash was so severe that the grandmother became trapped in the vehicle while her grandfather, despite his own injuries, frantically tried to get her out.
Both sustained significant injuries: the grandfather suffered internal bleeding and back injuries, and the grandmother fractured her chest, back, and ribs. They also had visible bruising and burns from the seatbelt on their neck and hips.
The couple received immediate medical attention due to their age and underlying health conditions — the grandmother is diabetic (insulin-dependent) and the grandfather has haemophilia.
The crash has left them fearful of returning to the road. The grandfather experiences flashbacks of the incident, and the grandmother’s ordeal of being trapped underscores the long-lasting psychological impact.
“An innocent drive that they have taken everyday is now tainted with the traumatic memories,” the family spokesperson said.
“Whenever we drive on the street of the accident, we all instantly remember what happened and how it looked in the moment.
“Having to personally search a completely destroyed vehicle for your loved one’s belongings was shocking. It has made us all realise how fast life can take a turn.”
Despite their injuries, the couple is slowly recovering, are in safe hands, and remain in high spirits.
The family’s spokesperson said her grandparents were lucky to survive the terrifying collision, which they believe was caused by a driver “swerving on the wrong side of the road under the influence”.
“Due to this being a hit and run incident, the offender obviously has no remorse for what he did considering how easy it was for him to leave innocent elderly people after an accident.”
Residents who witnessed the crash tended to the injured couple and tried to stop the fleeing driver.
“The people of our community put their lives at risk to help our family,” the family spokesperson said.
“We’ve received so many beautiful messages, offers of support and evidence from witnesses. It’s restored our faith in the community.”
The Toyota Yaris involved in the crash was a brand-new rental, which the couple had received just hours earlier because their personal car was being serviced.
As the Yaris was a rental, its future now rests with the insurance company, but the family fears they could be liable for the damage if the driver is not caught.
The hit-and-run is part of an alarming trend, with the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) reporting sharp rises in vehicle-related offences across Melbourne.
In Casey, stealing from motor vehicle offences (4,353) rose 29 per cent, whereas motor vehicle theft (1,923) surged 54 per cent in the year ending June 2025.
While the family “hopes” the offender will be found, they have little faith in the justice system to deliver accountability.
“It’s unfortunate that our government seems to not take justice seriously and criminals are being favoured, rather than the victims,” the family spokesperson said.
“It’s ridiculous how far we have to go with safety precautions just to not be victims of theft or abuse.”
The family, who moved to Melbourne more than 20 years ago seeking a fresh start, are now questioning whether they will remain in Victoria amid rising concerns about crime.
The grandparents, originally from Chile, settled in Melbourne more than 20 years ago, while the wider family relocated from Sydney, all seeking a fresh start in life.
Now, the family is questioning whether they will remain in Victoria amid rising concerns about crime.
“Everyday we wake up and see a new incident on the news or social media,” the spokesperson said.
“Melbourne is no longer the beautiful city it once was and it doesn’t seem like it will get any better.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
