# Independent MP Helen Haines Seriously Injured After Being Struck by Car

> Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines was struck by a four-wheel-drive outside her Wangaratta electoral office on Monday, sustaining serious injuries.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-19T15:44:18.403246Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/independent-mp-helen-haines-seriously-injured-after-being-struck-by-car-40369b29

Independent MP Helen Haines sustained serious injuries on Monday, October 19, 2026, after a four-wheel-drive struck her outside her electoral office in Wangaratta, Victoria [4]. The incident occurred around 3:30 PM local time [4].

The serious injury of a sitting federal Member of Parliament impacts parliamentary representation and raises concerns about the safety of public officials in their constituencies. The incident draws attention to the well-being of those serving their communities and the immediate future of legislative work for the Indi electorate.

## What the records show

Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a four-wheel-drive on Murphy Street in Wangaratta [4]. The incident happened outside her electoral office [4]. At the time of the collision, Haines was reportedly retrieving items from the boot of her car [9][11]. Wangaratta is located approximately 250 kilometers northeast of Melbourne [4]. Reports described the event as a "serious road accident" [4].

## Timeline

The incident took place on Monday, October 19, 2026 [4]. It occurred around 3:30 PM local time [4]. Emergency services were dispatched to Murphy Street shortly before 4:00 PM, following calls for assistance [1].

## What changed and for whom

Haines, the Independent Federal Member for Indi, sustained serious injuries in the incident [4]. She has represented the electorate since her initial election in 2019, and was re-elected in both 2022 and 2025 [5][8]. As a mother of three, she resides on a small beef farm near Wangaratta [7][8][10]. Her role has involved advocating for regional Australia [5]. The full extent of her injuries and the immediate impact on her parliamentary duties remain unclear [4].

## What the subject has said publicly

As of the reporting date, there has been no public statement from Helen Haines regarding the incident or her condition [risk_notes].

## What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific nature or full extent of Helen Haines' injuries beyond them being described as serious [4]. We also could not confirm any public statements from Helen Haines or her office regarding the incident or her current condition [risk_notes]. The circumstances immediately leading up to the four-wheel-drive striking her also remain publicly unconfirmed.

## Evidence cited
1. Breaking: Independent MP Helen Haines injured in incident near Wangaratta office (www.abc.net.au) — https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-19/helen-haines-injured-in-incident-near-wangaratta-office/107284764
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6. Indi MP Helen Haines struck by car and injured outside electoral office (7news.com.au) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHGHTmTDGLBL1eOqUaIyfe7VDT0RkBpJY6XXXDDqWmxcqqNAww5GSvGA832BthUxpJoYbFFYpxDLyVoT5fRzbaHI2OBCNwUy8y_8yvI8xH9RloZwGnyeJEZmOcoSec2py95xe1K08fhfJaXsBOb0Ky3RBzKZYutvGjIAU5wFuAJuodl-ec86tBgJr4sQQILKfLqSGeOTM3HmferkBpC39JW303KqS-iAA==
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