Fast-flowing Dandenong creek claims lives of woman and child amid heavy rain

A woman and a young child died after being swept away in a fast-flowing stream southeast of Melbourne.

Witnesses told police the pair fell into Dandenong Creek near Allan St in Dandenong at around 3.45pm on Monday.

It is understood that the woman tried to save the child when she was in a difficult situation.

“Police searched the area and located the unconscious couple, pulled them from the water and began CPR,” Victoria Police said.

“Despite all the efforts of emergency teams, they could not be resuscitated and they died at the scene.”

The incident sparked a major emergency response, with one person sharing that there were “police and SES everywhere” in X.

The victims have not yet been officially identified, but an eyewitness told 7News the child appeared to be “seven or eight years old.”

“It’s very sad,” the witness said.

Locals told 7News that after two weeks of heavy rain, the creek was flowing unusually fast, creating dangerous conditions.

Victoria Police said a report will be prepared for the coroner and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.