A baby girl is facing her first birthday in hospital after she and her grandmother were critically injured when struck by a car during their regular evening walk on the Gold Coast.
A Harrowing Scene on a Familiar Route
Little Eianna, just 364 days old, was being pushed in her pram by her 60-year-old grandmother when a Toyota Corolla, driven by a 26-year-old woman, hit them in Ormeau Hills on Wednesday.
The grandmother's harrowing screams filled the air as she lay injured with broken knees, watching helplessly as her granddaughter was taken away on a stretcher.
A Father's Anguish and a Birthday Overshadowed
Eianna's father, Nischay Choudhary, rushed to the scene as quickly as he could, only to face the heartbreaking reality that his daughter's milestone would be marked in a hospital ward.
"My daughter is turning one tomorrow. It's her birthday tomorrow. She'll be spending it in hospital," he said.
The bright, bubbly toddler's condition was initially critical but has since stabilised, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the trauma.
Injuries and Recovery Timeline
Choudhary described the visible injuries on his daughter, noting significant facial trauma alongside more serious concerns.
"Cheeks as there's so many scratches and doctor said there's a little bit fracture on her head as well," he explained.
Medical professionals have indicated that Eianna will need to remain in hospital for at least three to four more days as she continues her recovery.
Search for Answers and a Question of Visibility
The collision occurred on a route the grandmother and baby walked religiously every day at the same time, heading to their local park—a routine tragically interrupted.
Eianna's father is now actively searching for any CCTV footage that might have captured the incident, hoping to piece together the exact sequence of events.
The driver, who was believed to be travelling at the speed limit, told police she was blinded by the sun at the time of the accident.
This explanation has been met with understandable frustration from the family, with Choudhary questioning how such a tragedy could unfold on a clear stretch of road.
"It's a straight road. Anyone can see someone is crossing the road. You can slow down," he stated, highlighting ongoing concerns about driver awareness and road safety in residential areas.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of pedestrians, particularly young children and the elderly, and has sparked conversations within the local community about safety during peak sun glare hours.
