Craigieburn, Victoria – September 2025 — What began as an act of compassion turned into a heartbreaking tragedy on Thursday night, when two women lost their lives while trying to assist an injured kangaroo on the busy Hume Freeway.

Authorities have confirmed that a 30-year-old woman from Beveridge and a 30-year-old woman from Thomastown were struck by a passing car while attempting to rescue the animal near Craigieburn at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The Incident
According to police reports, the women noticed the injured kangaroo by the roadside and pulled over, driven by their instinct to help. As they tried to attend to the animal, both were hit by an oncoming vehicle in the southbound lanes of the freeway.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, one of the women died instantly. The other was airlifted to hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries shortly afterward.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, cooperated with investigators, and attempted to render assistance in the immediate aftermath. Authorities confirmed that speed and alcohol were not believed to be factors at this stage, but the incident remains under investigation.

Police Appeal and Ongoing Investigation
Victoria Police have urged any witnesses or motorists with dash-cam footage from the area at the time to come forward. Investigators are piecing together the sequence of events, examining traffic conditions, visibility, and whether the women had adequate warning of the approaching vehicle before stepping onto the road.

“Any loss of life on our roads is devastating, but this case is particularly tragic because it involved two people acting out of compassion and kindness,” a police spokesperson said. “We want to speak to anyone who may have seen the collision or the moments leading up to it.”

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit details anonymously via their website.

Remembering Their Compassion
Tributes are pouring in for the two women, described as kind, selfless, and caring individuals who acted without hesitation when they saw an animal in distress. Friends and family have spoken of their generous spirit, emphasizing that their final moments reflected the compassion they carried throughout their lives.

“These women stopped because they cared, because they saw something suffering and wanted to help,” a family friend said. “Their kindness should not be forgotten. Our hearts are broken for their families, who must now carry this unimaginable loss.”

A Broader Safety Reminder
Wildlife experts and road safety authorities have taken the tragedy as an opportunity to stress the importance of prioritizing personal safety in situations involving injured animals on high-speed roads.

“If you encounter injured wildlife on a major freeway, do not attempt to stop unless it is completely safe to do so,” advised a spokesperson from a local wildlife rescue organization. “Instead, contact a wildlife rescue hotline or the police, who can respond appropriately and safely.”

Authorities also reminded drivers to remain alert, particularly in semi-rural and regional areas where kangaroos and other animals are more likely to appear suddenly. Adhering to speed limits, scanning the roadside, and being prepared to react can make the difference between life and death for both humans and wildlife.

A Community in Mourning
The tragedy has deeply affected communities in Beveridge and Thomastown, where the women were well known and loved. Vigils are already being discussed, and friends have expressed a desire to honor them not only with grief but also with gratitude for the compassion they demonstrated in their final moments.

“This incident is a reminder of both the beauty and fragility of human kindness,” one mourner said. “They saw an animal in pain and didn’t think twice about helping. That’s who they were—caring, giving, and brave.”

Final Thoughts
As investigations continue, the memory of the two women will live on through the stories shared by those who knew them and in the compassion that defined their final act. While their deaths highlight the risks of stopping on high-speed roads, they also stand as a poignant reminder of the profound kindness and humanity that still exist in the world.

Rest in peace to these two remarkable women. Their legacy will be remembered not just in tragedy but in the compassion that guided their final moments.