The Heartbreaking Hit-and-Run That Shattered a Family on Mother's Day

In the quiet outer western suburbs of Melbourne, a night that should have been filled with celebration turned into unimaginable tragedy. Just after midnight on Mother's Day, May 10, 2026, 41-year-old Tania Kerr was riding her e-scooter home from a friend's house along Swan Street in Melton. What began as a routine journey ended in horror when a small white sedan struck her while turning from Scott Street, propelling her violently to the ground. The driver fled the scene without stopping, leaving Tania critically injured on the roadside.

Neighbours who heard the impact rushed to her aid, providing crucial first assistance until paramedics arrived. Tania was swiftly transported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where she remains in an induced coma, battling life-threatening head wounds and spinal injuries. Her condition has left her family, including her five children and partner Kayla Grech, in a state of profound shock and grief.

Tania Kerr: A Loving Mother at the Heart of Her Community

Tania Kerr is described by those who know her as a pillar of strength and unwavering love. As a devoted mother of five, she poured her energy into raising her children, balancing family life with her close-knit circle of friends in Melton. On what was meant to be a special Mother's Day, Tania had spent time with loved ones before heading home on her e-scooter, a common mode of transport in the area for short trips.

Melton, a growing suburb about 37 kilometres west of Melbourne's CBD, has seen an influx of families seeking affordable housing and community vibes. Tania embodied this spirit, often seen zipping around on her e-scooter, which offered convenience for quick errands and social visits. Tragically, this everyday choice collided with a moment of unimaginable recklessness.

Her partner, Kayla Grech, has been by her side throughout, spending the holiday at the hospital instead of celebrating. Kayla's emotional recounting paints a picture of Tania's character: caring, loving, and the best person one could know. The family's pain is compounded by the timing—Mother's Day, a day meant for honouring mothers like Tania.

Partner's Raw Anger and Plea for Justice

Kayla Grech's voice trembles with fury and heartbreak as she speaks out. "I'm very angry, very hurt, lost for words really," she shared, emphasizing the callousness of leaving someone in such a vulnerable state. "Especially to leave someone like that on the side of the road. She’s an amazing person, she’s loving, caring. The best person you could ever ask for."

In a desperate bid for answers, Kayla has urged anyone with information, dashcam footage, or even a glimpse of the white sedan heading towards O’Niells Road to come forward. The family's ordeal highlights the human cost of hit-and-runs, where one decision ripples through lives forever.

Victoria Police's Urgent Investigation and Driver Hunt

Senior Sergeant Emile Caggiati of Victoria Police labelled the incident "deplorable" and "appalling," underscoring the moral failing of motorists who flee collision scenes. Investigators are combing the area for CCTV footage and witnesses, focusing on the small white hatchback or sedan seen fleeing the scene.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Scott Street and Swan Street, a residential area where visibility at night can be challenging. Police have appealed via Crime Stoppers, emphasizing that anonymity is protected for tip-offs. No arrests have been made, but the force is treating this as a priority case given the victim's critical state.

• Time: Approximately 12:20-12:30am, May 10, 2026
• Location: Swan Street near Scott Street, Melton
• Vehicle: Small white sedan/hatchback
• Direction of flight: Towards O’Niells Road

Authorities are also reminding e-scooter users to prioritize safety: wear helmets, use lights, and don reflective gear, especially after dark.

Melton Community Rallies in Shock and Solidarity

Melton residents, known for their tight community bonds, have expressed outrage and support. Local social media groups are buzzing with calls for justice, sharing the family's plea and warning about road dangers. Vigils are being organized outside the hospital, with flowers and messages piling up at the crash site.

This incident has reignited discussions in the suburb about traffic calming measures at busy intersections like Scott and Swan Streets. Residents note increased vehicle speeds despite the residential nature, calling for better lighting and speed bumps.

Community leaders have praised the quick response of neighbours, whose aid likely saved Tania's life in those critical first moments.

The Rise of E-Scooters in Melbourne: Convenience Meets Risk

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, have exploded in popularity across Australia since rental schemes launched in major cities. In Melbourne, share schemes like Neuron and Lime operated in the CBD until trials ended in 2024, but personal ownership has surged for suburban use.

In Victoria, e-scooters are classified as personal mobility devices. Riders must be over 18, wear approved helmets, and stick to roads or shared paths—no footpaths allowed, unlike some states. Power is capped at 250 watts, with speed limits of 25 km/h on roads.

Despite rules, enforcement challenges persist. For more on guidelines, check the Transport Accident Commission e-scooter safety page.

Alarming Surge in E-Scooter Related Injuries Nationwide

Victoria has seen a sharp rise in e-scooter incidents. Recent data shows a 67% increase in serious injuries among children aged 10-14, with nearly 500 kids treated in hospitals last financial year. E-scooter injuries jumped from 0.3 to 14.9 per 100,000 population.

Australia-wide, the Australian Research Centre (ARC) notes pedestrians increasingly hit by riders. Melbourne's rental trial alone saw over 500 injuries, including 17 serious. Fractures, head trauma, and spinal issues dominate, mirroring Tania's case.

• Victoria: E-scooter injuries up dramatically post-2020
• Children: 50% of paediatric cases aged 10-14
• Common causes: Single-vehicle crashes, poor visibility, no helmets

Experts link this to rapid adoption without proportional infrastructure upgrades.

Hit-and-Run Epidemic Gripping Melbourne Roads

Hit-and-runs plague Victoria, with TAC reporting rising road trauma. In 2025, 288 lives lost statewide, up from prior years. While exact 2026 hit-run stats are emerging, metropolitan areas like Melbourne see frequent failures to stop.

Explore broader trends via Victoria road crash data. Factors include fear of prosecution, insurance issues, and impaired driving. Melton's growth amplifies risks at suburban intersections.

Severe Penalties Await Hit-and-Run Perpetrators

In Victoria, failing to stop after a collision injuring another carries up to 10 years imprisonment and hefty fines. If death results, penalties escalate to 15 years. Drivers must render aid, exchange details, and report to police within 24 hours.

Cases like this spur calls for mandatory dashcams and harsher bail conditions amid Melbourne's crime concerns. Successful prosecutions often hinge on CCTV or witnesses.

Expert Voices Calling for Urgent Road Safety Reforms

Road safety advocates urge better e-scooter education, dedicated lanes, and AI traffic monitoring. Senior Sergeant Caggiati stresses visibility gear. TAC campaigns highlight night riding dangers, where 40% of serious crashes occur.

Stakeholders push for national harmonization: NSW allows footpaths, QLD has age limits. Victoria's strict rules aim to curb misuse but need enforcement boosts.

Family's Fight Continues Amid Waves of Support

As Tania clings to life, her children face uncertainty without their mother on Mother's Day. Kayla manages amid media frenzy, focusing on recovery. GoFundMe pages and local fundraisers are aiding medical costs and family needs.

The outpouring reflects Australia's community spirit, with messages of hope flooding in.

Photo by Mateusz Glogowski on Unsplash

Towards Safer Roads: Lessons from Tragedy

Tania's story underscores the fragility of life on roads. Enhanced lighting, driver education, and tech like vehicle-to-pedestrian alerts offer hope. Communities demand action to prevent repeats.

For now, justice for Tania and safety for all remain priorities. Share info via Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.