Fatal crash at Westfield Knox

A woman has died after a car crashed into diners outside a restaurant at Westfield Knox shopping centre in Wantirna South, Melbourne, on Monday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 12:45pm after the vehicle, reported to be a Tesla, struck the building and hit people seated outside Martini and Co restaurant.

Police said the woman, who has not yet been formally identified, died at the scene. A second customer was assessed by paramedics at the scene.

The driver and a passenger of the vehicle were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said they were in a stable condition.

Investigation and police response

Victoria Police said the Major Collision Investigation Unit would attend to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Police do not believe the incident was an intentional act.

A crime scene has been set up, and police are appealing for any shoppers or customers who witnessed the crash to contact Crime Stoppers.

In a social media post, Martini and Co said it was closed until further notice, apologising for any inconvenience and adding: "Please stay safe."

Separate incident at the same centre

In a separate incident at the same shopping centre earlier on Monday, an 84-year-old woman was hit by a bus and sustained life-threatening injuries to her lower body. She was taken to The Alfred hospital, where she remained in a critical condition on Tuesday morning. Police have not linked the two incidents.

Inspector Ben Gordon said the driver of the car in the fatal crash may have failed to give way at a pedestrian crossing, causing the vehicle to launch into the side of the restaurant. This detail has not been confirmed by other officials at this stage.