Australian lawmaker Helen Haines loses both legs after car attack

Doctors have amputated both legs of Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines after a car hit her outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northeastern Victoria, according to Peoples Gazette. Her husband, Phil Haines, disclosed this at a press conference at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne.

Mr Haines said, “Helen’s left leg was amputated on Monday. We had been hoping that her right leg would be saved, but… the surgeons had to also remove her right leg. But the good news in all this is Helen is alive and she’s stable.” He added, “Helen’s road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we know she is a fighter.”

The suspect, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, appeared in court on Wednesday over charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and harming a Commonwealth public official. Authorities are yet to establish a motive. The defendant did not apply for bail, and the court fixed February 4, 2027, for the next hearing.