Car attack on Helen Haines

Haines reportedly lost a leg in the car attack

Australian politician Helen Haines has lost a leg in a car attack she was subjected to on Monday, according to Australian media. Her condition is still described as critical, and she is set to undergo several surgeries.

Witness Cody Lepoidevin told the ABC that he heard screaming outside the restaurant where he worked following the incident. He was one of several people who assisted Haines at the scene.

"She was in a lot of pain. If I had been in her situation, there would have been a lot more swearing, but she was very pleasant even in that moment. She handled it really well," he says.

Perpetrator’s family are close friends of Haines

The 43-year-old man suspected of the car attack on Australian politician Helen Haines had ties to her. His father and the father’s partner were close friends of Haines—having known each other for 20 years—according to a statement from the family cited by Australian media.

They describe the attack as "devastating" and call Haines a "deeply respected, valued, and very well-liked" woman.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. The perpetrator made a U-turn upon seeing Haines, then struck her with his vehicle twice.

Haines’s condition is described as critical, and according to reports in several media outlets, she has lost a leg in the attack.