Mother and daughter injured in alleged hit-and-run by stolen car on Gold Coast
Sydney Morning Herald
by Sarah SwainFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A mother and daughter were seriously injured after being struck by a stolen car on a pedestrian crossing in Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast. The incident occurred on February 15, 2026, when a silver Mazda, allegedly stolen the previous day from Woolloongabba, Brisbane, plowed into the two women as they crossed the street at 9am. The driver fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by police, who tracked him to Pacific Fair shopping center. Both victims were rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital with injuries including pelvic damage and back injuries.
The collision happened during peak pedestrian activity near Mermaid Beach, leaving bystanders shocked and silencing cafe chatter across the road. Footage of the incident shows the car charging through a red light, knocking both women into the middle of the intersection before the driver sped away. Police arrested the 32-year-old man at the car park and took him for drug and alcohol testing to determine if he was under the influence at the time of the crash.
The stolen vehicle had been reported missing from Brisbane’s Woolloongabba area a day prior to the incident. The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, faces potential charges related to dangerous driving, hit-and-run, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Authorities are currently investigating whether his actions were influenced by substance abuse or other factors.
This incident highlights growing concerns over road safety and the impact of reckless driving on vulnerable pedestrians. The quick response from police and Good Samaritans underscores the importance of community vigilance in such situations. As the investigation continues, questions about how to prevent similar incidents are likely to prompt broader discussions on traffic laws, driver responsibility, and public safety measures.
For readers interested in global road safety concerns, this case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by stolen vehicles and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. It also raises awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety in urban areas, where such incidents can have life-altering consequences.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/15/2026