In the Australian Melbourne the driver of the SUV, traveling at a speed of 60 mph (100 km/h), crashed into the crowd at one of the busiest pedestrian roads in the city – Flinders street.
According to the Deputy police Commissioner of Victoria Shane Patton, police arrived at the scene within 15 seconds. The man was taken into custody by police officer off duty after trying to resist arrest. As a result of collision the man and police were injured.
During the accident injured 18 people, including a child of preschool age, which the doctors diagnosed him with a serious head injury. A police spokesman, Russell Barrett, told reporters that some of the wounded are in critical condition.
Investigators have identified the driver: it was a 32-year-old Australian citizen of Afghan origin. It is in the base of the Australian police in connection with minor offences. The man had made several attacks and was accused of drug use.
Australian police say up to 19 injured after a car rammed into a crowd in central #Melbourne; driver arrested.pic.twitter.com/ypqSz2cTcy #Australia #flindersstreet
— Josef-Israel (@JosefIsrael) December 21, 2017
Patton told reporters that although the accident is deemed intentional, there is no evidence linking the men to terrorist groups. According to the Deputy Commissioner, the culprit is now undergoing treatment in a psychiatric hospital.
At the scene they arrested another 24-year-old man, who was filming the incident on a mobile phone camera. The police found with him a sack of knives.
«We already have confirmation that it is not associated with the incident, however, he continues to cooperate with the police in the investigation,» they said.
The Prime Minister of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, has called the accident «horrible, evil, cowardly act», but said that it is not necessary to strengthen security measures in the state. He encouraged Victorians to go about their business and enjoy the festive season.
‘It was a deliberate act’: Police arrest two men after they ‘drove car into rush hour crowds’ in Melbourne https://t.co/pBz4AbJDkT pic.twitter.com/utTR4MKnbg
— Daily Mail Australia (@DailyMailAU) December 21, 2017
