Two Nepalese women, best friends for more than 14 years, were killed on Thursday night after stopping to help an injured kangaroo on the Hume Freeway in Melbourne’s north.
Emergency services were called to Craigieburn just after 7.30pm following reports that two pedestrians had been struck. It was reported that a 30-year-old woman from Beveridge died at the scene, while her friend, a 30-year-old woman from Thomastown, was airlifted to hospital but later died.
7News has revealed the identity of the victims as Sarla Khadka and Areeza Suwal who worked as nurses at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital and had been on their way to celebrate a birthday.
Just hours earlier, Khadka had shared a heartfelt Facebook post calling Suwal her “sister” and lifelong confidante.
Victoria Police said the women had struck a kangaroo while driving towards the city and stopped to assist it when another vehicle swerved to avoid their car and hit them at high speed. The driver remained at the scene and is assisting police.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir described the crash as “terrible for all involved,” warning of the dangers of leaving vehicles on dark, high-speed roads. “It’s inherently dangerous to be on the roadway, particularly at night and in drizzly conditions,” he said.
Wildlife rescue groups urged motorists to contact trained responders rather than stopping on busy roads. “People get distressed when they see an animal on the roadside, but it’s safer to call rescue organisations,” a WIRES spokesperson said.
Victoria Police said 203 people had died on the state’s roads so far this year, which is 11 more than at the same time last year.
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