Imagine sitting down for a casual lunch, only to have a vehicle crash through the wall just feet away. That’s exactly what happened at Morty’s Food Court in Launceston’s CBD, leaving one woman fighting for her life. But here’s where it gets even more shocking—the incident, which occurred just before 12:30pm on Wednesday, has raised questions about how such a terrifying event could unfold in a bustling public space.
A ute plowed through the front wall of the Wellington Street food court, sending tables and chairs flying before coming to a halt in the middle of the venue. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where they found a female pedestrian critically injured. She was immediately taken to Launceston General Hospital, her condition described as grave. The driver of the vehicle was also hospitalized, though his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
And this is the part most people miss—while police have confirmed no other injuries were reported, a witness inside the food court claimed it appeared someone had been struck by the vehicle. Photos from the scene reveal the extent of the chaos: debris scattered across the dining area and the building’s facade severely damaged.
Police are still investigating the cause of the crash, urging the public to avoid the area as they piece together what happened. The question on everyone’s mind: How did this happen, and could it have been prevented?
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of everyday life. Here’s a thought to ponder: As urban spaces become more crowded, are we doing enough to ensure public safety? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think more measures should be in place to prevent such accidents, or is this simply an unfortunate, isolated incident?
More updates to come as the story develops…
