... So that You may be kept informed

Vic: Six foreign backpackers run down in accident


04 Mar 2009 2:22 PM

Six foreign backpackers in their 20s on a fruitpicking holiday in central Victoria have been ploughed down by a car as they were walking to an orchard near Shepparton today.

One girl .. from Hong Kong .. has been airlifted to The Alfred hospital fighting for her life with severe head injuries.

Paramedics put her in an induced coma at the scene on Baulch Road at Dhurringile .. south of Shepparton.

Four women and one man were also injured.

The driver of the car .. NINO ATZORI .. is the owner of the hostel where the group's staying.

A family member says Mr ATZORI blames sun glare for the accident .. saying he was going fairly slowly and if he'd been speeding he would have killed them.