Helen Haines upgraded from critical after losing both legs to car strike
The federal MP for Indi was struck by a car near her electorate office and has had both legs amputated.
Helen Haines, the independent federal MP for Victoria's Indi electorate, was struck by a car near her office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon and has been upgraded to serious but stable condition. Surgeons attempted to save her right leg but both limbs had to be amputated due to the severity of her injuries.
A 43-year-old man, Brendan Nugent from Tarrawingee, was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the commonwealth offence of causing harm to a public official.
Nugent also faces charges of cultivating and possessing cannabis. Nugent appeared in court and did not apply for bail.
Haines's staff said the incident has deeply affected the family and office workers, and the electorate office will reopen next Thursday.
- Independent federal MP for Indi
- Position
- Near electorate office in Wangaratta
- Incident location
- Brendan Nugent, 43, from Tarrawingee
- Suspect
- Both legs amputated
- Injuries
Why it mattersA major Australian political figure is recovering from severe injury, raising questions about the safety of MPs and the rising temperature of political debate.
AustraliaOne of Australia's independent federal MPs is out of action during recovery from serious injury, affecting parliamentary representation for the Indi seat.
Corroborated by7news.com.au·sbs.com.au
Open this story in InSnip →
