Image via Twitter user Brianna Travers
In a disturbing incident during peak hour on Thursday afternoon, a white Suzuki SUV ploughed through a large group of pedestrians just outside of Flinders Street Station before crashing into a tram stop and coming to a halt. Twelve people are being treated for injuries, including at least one child.The SUV's driver, as well as another man, have been arrested, with witnesses describing chaos at one of Melbourne CBD's biggest intersections. Speaking to the ABC, a local business owner said the intersection was "full of pedestrians" but the driver ploughed through a red light anyway."He came to rest just next to the tram stop — maybe the side of the tram stop stopped him — but the only thing that seemed to be slowing him down was the amount of pedestrians he had hit…All you could hear was just bang bang bang bang bang," the witness said.Victorian Police have issued a statement saying they believe the attack to be "deliberate".The incident echoes a similar attack that took place in Bourke Street Mall in January of this year. In the wake of this incident, concrete bollards have been installed on sidewalks around major shopping areas. However in this incident, pedestrians were mowed down on the road, rendering bollards useless.Police are remaining in the vicinity of Flinders, Elizabeth and Swanston streets, to ensure community safety.Witnesses are encouraged to visit Melbourne West Police Station at 313 Spencer Street, Melbourne or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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