Australia: MP loses both legs after suspected car attack

The doctors initially hoped they could save her right leg. Ultimately, however, the surgeons had to amputate it too after Haines lost her left leg shortly after the crime on Monday.

The independent MP was hit by an SUV outside her constituency office in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne. According to previous investigations, the driver is said to have specifically targeted the 65-year-old woman. The politician was flown to a hospital in Melbourne with serious injuries to her lower body and underwent emergency surgery. The case has been making waves in Australia for days. Numerous people laid flowers at the crime scene.

The 43-year-old driver was arrested at the scene. According to Interior Minister Tony Burke, he is said to have reversed the car again in order to hit Haines again. Investigators seized a knife from him. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized shortly after the incident: "It was not an accident."

In the morning (local time) the alleged perpetrator had to appear before a court in Wangaratta. He is accused of, among other things, dangerous driving resulting in serious injuries, intentional grievous bodily harm and causing harm to a public official. He also has to answer for drug offenses.

The accused remains in custody

The accused did not apply for bail and remains in custody. His next court date is scheduled for February. Investigators are not ruling out further charges. The motive is still unclear. Particularly shocking: According to ABC, his family said they had been friends with Haines for more than 20 years.

The politician's husband thanked her for her outpouring of sympathy and said his wife had a long road to recovery ahead of her. Haines has represented the Indi constituency in Parliament since 2019 and was confirmed for a third term in the 2025 election. The constituency covers large parts of north-east Victoria, including the towns of Wangaratta, Wodonga and Benalla.