Helen Haines loses leg as surgeons fight to save the other after alleged attack in Wangaratta

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Independent MP is in critical yet stable condition after man allegedly did U-turn to strike her twice with his car </p><ul><li><p>Follow our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb">Helen Haines live blog</a> for latest updates</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/who-is-helen-haines-the-mp-allegedly-attacked-in-victoria-ntwnfb">Who is Helen Haines, the MP allegedly attacked in Victoria?</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">new political email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The man accused of attacking Helen Haines allegedly made a U-turn before ramming the independent MP twice in an alleged targeted attack near her electorate office, causing her to lose one of her legs.</p><p>The member for Indi was airlifted from Wangaratta in northern Victoria to Melbourne’s Alfred hospital for emergency surgery on Monday night.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-mp-alleged-attack-wangaratta-surgery-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.