A learner driver has been charged after a car struck pedestrians outside a comic convention in Melbourne, killing one man and seriously injuring another.
The incident occurred near the Supanova Comic Con & Gaming event in Ascot Vale on Saturday shortly before 5pm. Police allege a Toyota sedan mounted the kerb and hit two men as they were leaving the convention. A 20-year-old man died at the scene, while another man of the same age was seriously injured and taken to hospital. A third man escaped unharmed.
Awer Dau, 33, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday evening via video link. He was charged with dangerous driving causing death and culpable driving causing death. His lawyer indicated no bail application would be made, and Magistrate Jarrod Williams remanded him in custody until 15 September.
Police said Dau was unlicensed and held only a learner permit. A prosecutor requested 16 weeks to prepare the case, citing outstanding inquiries including a toxicology report, forensic vehicle examination, mechanical reconstruction, and review of CCTV and witness statements.
Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy described the vehicle's path as highly unusual, noting it travelled across an entire lane before mounting the footpath and continuing for 120 metres. An off-duty police officer and a member of the public intervened and detained the driver.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan called it a tragic incident that should never have happened. Organisers of the comic con held a minute's silence on Sunday, expressing deep sadness and distress over the tragedy.
