Teenage girl fights for life after hit-run in Melbourne’s north
A teenage girl is fighting for life in hospital following a hit-run crash in Coburg.
The girl, believed to be 13, was riding her bike when she was hit by a dark coloured BMW at the corner of Bell and Sussex Streets at 8pm last night.
She suffered serious head injuries as well as hand and leg injuries and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
The driver of the car stopped briefly before fleeing the scene.
Investigators believe the vehicle will have damage to the left hand side and front windscreen.
Detective Inspector Stuart McGregor said the girl’s family were holding a bedside vigil as she fights for life at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
It’s understood she is an induced coma.
“We know they are distraught, we can just hope the girl pulls through,” he told Tony Jones on 3AW Mornings.
He said early investigations show the driver pulled over in a side street after the crash, and got back in the car.
Police also believe another person was in the car at the time.
“This is a 13-year-old who is left on the side of the road with significant injuries, dying on the side of the road,” he said.
“This person decided to drive away and save myself and not the girl.”
Detective Inspector McGregor said it was extremely rare for a driver to flee the scene.
“There has to be someone who knows someone that has a black BMW,” he said.
“Go out and have a look at the car – if anyone can find a dark BMW that’s now got recent damage – it’s going to be damaged to the windscreen, passenger side exterior mirror and the front of the car.”
Damien Nappard stopped to help after the crash and said he administered first aid while they waited for emergency services.
An off-duty nurse and paramedic passing by were among the first on the scene.
He said two other children she was riding with were distraught as they waited nearby.
“There were bits of the car left behind so I hope they catch this low life,” he said.
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