Australian lawmaker’s legs amputated after alleged SUV ramming

Doctors had to amputate both of lawmaker Helen Haines’ legs days after a driver hit her with an SUV, said her husband of nearly 40 years. Phil Haines spoke to reporters at the hospital on Wednesday. The car-pedestrian crash occurred Monday outside her electorate office in the city of Wangaratta. Police allege it was a deliberate attack. Speaking during a press conference at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, Phil Haines said her left leg was amputated on Monday. Doctors attempted to save her right leg, but had to remove it on Wednesday.

However, she was alive and stable, which was the most important thing to him and the rest of the family, Haines said. Her compassionate heart and sharp intellect were still intact, he said. Her recovery would be long and difficult, but the family was overwhelmed by the support they received, Haines said.

Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn also spoke at the press conference, urging Australians to handle political disagreements respectfully. She did not give updates on the investigation into the ramming. Police on Tuesday charged the 43-year-old male driver with three offenses related to the incident, including intentionally causing serious injury. He drove a Toyota Land Cruiser in the crash, according to a police statement.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s initial report on the incident for more details.