What should have been a lively Saturday afternoon at one of Australia’s most popular pop culture events ended in tragedy this weekend, after a car mounted the kerb outside the Melbourne Showgrounds and struck a group of pedestrians leaving the Supanova Comic Con and Gaming convention.
Just before 5pm on Saturday 18 April, a blue Toyota sedan allegedly drove onto the footpath on Langs Road in Ascot Vale, hitting three people who had just left the event through gate 2. A 20-year-old man from Keysborough died at the scene. A second 20-year-old man was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition with significant lower-body injuries.
Bystanders intervened immediately. Witnesses reported the driver attempted to leave the scene but was physically restrained by members of the public before an off-duty police officer made the arrest.
On Sunday, a 33-year-old Werribee man was charged with dangerous driving causing death and culpable driving. Police confirmed he was unlicensed, holding only a learner permit, and that further charges are expected. He appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Sunday afternoon.
Investigators have not ruled out the possibility the incident was intentional. Detective Inspector McEvoy said police would “let the evidence tell us what occurred,” and that drugs, alcohol, and speed would all form part of the investigation.
Inside the showgrounds, most attendees had no idea what was happening just outside. Supanova founder Daniel Zachariou said guest signing sessions were still running at 7:30pm, drawing large crowds, while the tragedy unfolded roughly 100 metres away.
“We’re all gutted,” Zachariou said. “And at the same time, like so many other people in the world who suffer tragedies, we’ve had to step up and do what we need to do in delivering this event.”
On Sunday, the convention opened with a minute’s silence, originally scheduled for 10am but pushed to midday. Thousands of fans attended the second day of the event, which featured appearances from Stranger Things actor Jamie Campbell Bower and Andy Serkis, best known for playing Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
In a statement, Supanova said it was “deeply saddened and distressed” by what had happened. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the unspeakable tragedy that has happened on our doorstep.”
Premier Jacinta Allan also responded, saying her heart went out to the family of the man who was killed and to those who were injured.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
