Independent Member of Parliament Helen Haines was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle in an incident outside her electorate office in northern Victoria on Monday. The 65-year-old representative for Indi was airlifted from Wangaratta to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery following the attack.

According to reports, the accused assailant allegedly made a U-turn before striking Haines twice in what authorities are treating as a targeted attack. The impact resulted in the loss of one of Haines’ legs, and medical teams continued efforts on Tuesday to save her other leg.

A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, identified as Brendan Nugent, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. Police have not released further details about a possible motive or charges while the investigation remains ongoing.

Haines’ condition was described as critical after the hospital admitted her for urgent treatment. The incident has prompted concern among political colleagues and the broader community, with officials emphasizing the seriousness of the attack on a sitting member of parliament.

Authorities continue to gather information as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the event outside the Indi electorate office.