Thousands attend Melbourne vigil in memory of victims of car rampage

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Mourners gathered at Melbourne’s Federation Square for a minute’s silence to remember those killed in the tragedy. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:10pm, 23 Jan 2017Updated: 10:18pm, 23 Jan 2017

Thousands of people attended a vigil on Monday in memory of the five victims mown down by a car at Melbourne’s busiest mall last week as police charged the suspected driver with murder.

The 26-year-old man, charged with five counts of murder, sustained gunshot wounds when police arrested him after the incident on Friday.

I’m glad I’ve seen, and hope I never forget just how brave and loving strangers can be. I love this city

Henry Dow, witness to the carnage

Mourners gathered at Melbourne’s Federation Square for a minute’s silence to remember those killed in the tragedy. Henry Dow, who witnessed the carnage, made a stirring speech, recalling a taxi driver who went to the aid of those struck by the vehicle.

“Many images and sounds will stay with me much longer than I might like, but I’m glad I’ve seen, and hope I never forget just how brave and loving strangers can be. I love this city,” Dow said.

Other witnesses had earlier described “bodies flying through the air” as the vehicle sped through the shopping strip, leaving a trail of injured and a pram upturned on the sidewalk.

A man in his 30s, a man and woman both in their 20s, a ten-year-old girl, along with the baby thrown from the pram were all killed. Fifteen people remain in hospital, with two still in a critical condition.

“It’s been a tragic time ... but the people of Melbourne have pulled together and the spirit of the city was very evident there just as it was on the day of that shocking attack,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Australian radio.