Helen Haines regains consciousness after losing both legs in attack

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 04:56 · Archive

Australian federal MP Helen Haines has woken in stable condition after losing both legs in an alleged attack outside her Wangaratta office.

Dr Helen Haines, an independent federal MP for Indi in north-east Victoria, is recovering in Melbourne's The Alfred Hospital in serious but stable condition after losing both her legs in an alleged attack outside her office in Wangaratta last Monday.

According to The Mirror, Haines was pinned between a Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 and another car in what is described as a deliberate attack. She was airlifted to hospital and required emergency amputation surgery.

Fellow independent MP Allegra Spender revealed Haines' first words after waking from surgery during parliamentary tributes on Monday, 26 October. Spender said Haines' husband Phil reported that her first concerns were for her staff and gratitude to first responders, nurses and bystanders. Spender described this as speaking to Haines' character, noting her empathy and describing her as 'a force for change'.

Brendan Nugent, from Tarrawingee near Wangaratta, was charged last Tuesday with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a federal official. Officers indicated he could face additional charges, and he made his first court appearance last Wednesday.

How it is being reported

• Helen Haines' first words after losing both legs following attack on Australian MPThe independent MP is now in a stable condition, but faces a long recovery, her husband said last weekThe Mirror · 26 Oct, 04:35
• Helen Haines' first words after losing both her legs in horrific attack as she expresses gratitude to first respondersFederal MP Helen Haines first thoughts were for the bystanders who rushed to help her moments after waking up from the alleged attack that left her fighting for life.Daily Mail · 26 Oct, 03:28

In this story: Helen Haines · Allegra Spender · Brendan Nugent · Phil Haines · Indi · Wangaratta · Victoria · The Alfred Hospital

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem