A mother killed in a horrific accident is remembered by her grieving family as a kind and loving woman, while her best friend fights for her life in hospital.
Bakery owner Yen Nguyen, 53, was on her way to work when a delivery truck carrying food collided with her van at a busy intersection in Bulleen, in the city’s east, at about 5.40am on Monday morning.
The mother of three died at the scene, while her 63-year-old friend in the passenger seat was pulled from the wreckage by passing motorists and taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she remains in a critical condition.
The truck driver, 28, was taken to hospital with injuries, but his life is not in danger.
Mrs. Nguyen and her husband owned a bakery in Heidelberg West for almost 30 years, but it remained closed on Monday.
“She was a lovely lady, down to earth and always willing to help anyone,” said her heartbroken daughter Katie Ly Nine news.
‘I can’t say anything bad about her.
‘She brought the energy to this place, which we no longer have.’
Bakery owner Yen Nguyen was on her way to work when disaster struck
The intersection of Manningham and Bulleen Road was closed for most of Monday morning following the horrific crash
Passing motorists who came to help Ms Nguyen and her friend were left very upset by the incident.
The intersection of Manningham and Bulleen Road was closed in all directions for most of the morning, making commuting a nightmare.
According to the police, initial indications indicate that the truck driver drove through a red light.
The exact circumstances surrounding the collision have yet to be determined.
“As you might expect, this has resulted in a devastating collision,” Detective Inspector Stephen Hill told reporters.
Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit have launched an investigation into the horrific crash
He added that it was too early to say whether speed played a role in the crash, but that all possible factors would be investigated.
Police have yet to question the truck driver. No charges have been filed at this time.
Ms Nguyen’s death has brought the number of people killed on Victoria’s roads to 167 this year, three fewer than the same period last year.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or has CCTV footage, dashcam footage or other information, to contact Crime Stoppers.