This story has moved on: Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs in deliberate car attack

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 09:32 · Archive

Helen Haines, an Australian independent MP, has had both legs amputated after being struck by a vehicle outside her office.

Helen Haines, an independent Australian MP, was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday. She was airlifted to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital for emergency surgery that night.

Her husband Phil Haines confirmed in a press conference that surgeons initially attempted to save her right leg following the amputation of her left leg on Monday. However, they were forced to remove both limbs. Mr Haines described the incident as "horrendous" and said the family's focus remained on Helen's survival and stability. He told media: "That is the most important thing for our family. And I think when we reflect and talk about and think about Helen, the two most important parts of Helen for us as a family are her heart and her mind."

Police have charged a man in connection with the incident. GB News reports that the incident has been described as an alleged "targeted attack".

How it is being reported

• What is transverse myelitis? The rare condition experienced by MP Helen Haines’s alleged attackerThe Australian MP has lost both her legs after what has been described as a ‘targeted’ attackIndependent World · 21 Oct, 10:18
• Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs after ramming attackAustralian independent Member of Parliament Helen Haines has had both legs amputated after she was struck by an SUV outside her office.UPI · 21 Oct, 10:01
• Australian MP has both legs amputated after being struck by car outside officeAustralian MP Helen Haines has had both legs amputated, her husband has said, following an alleged "targeted attack" on Monday. In a press conference, Phil Haines confirmed that following emergency surgery in an attempt to save one leg, both limbs were lost in the incident. The independent politician was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta earlier this week. Sharing an update on Mrs Haines's health following the operation, Mr Haines confirmed: "What took place on Monday was a horrendous incident, and it's, as you know, caused Helen significant injuries. TRENDING…GB News · 21 Oct, 09:17
• Man charged after Australian MP struck by vehiclePolice have charged a man after an Australian MP was hit by a vehicle, causing her to undergo a leg amputation.Sky News · 20 Oct, 10:11
• Australian MP hit by a car has both legs amputatedThe Australian MP hit by a car has had both of her legs amputated, her husband has said.Sky News · 20 Oct, 06:02

In this story: Helen Haines · Phil Haines · Wangaratta · Melbourne · Alfred Hospital

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