2 Nepali nurses killed in Melbourne crash while saving Kangaroo
Both were long-time friends and colleagues at Melbourne’s prestigious Alfred Hospital, where they worked as nurses.
KATHMANDU: Two Nepali nurses in Melbourne, Australia lost their lives on Melbourne’s Hume Freeway while trying to save an injured kangaroo.
The victims have been identified as Sarala Khadka (30), a resident of Beveridge, and Arija Suwal (30), from Thomastown.
Both were long-time friends and colleagues at Melbourne’s prestigious Alfred Hospital, where they worked as nurses.
According to Victoria Police, the accident occurred late at night while the two were on their way to celebrate Arija’s 30th birthday. Their car first struck a kangaroo on the freeway.
Stopping to assist the injured animal, the women stepped out of their vehicle. Tragically, due to darkness and poor weather conditions, another car skidded and struck them from behind.
Sarala died instantly at the scene in Craigieburn, while Arija was airlifted to the hospital. Despite emergency treatment, she succumbed to her injuries shortly afterward.
The driver of the second car stopped immediately and is cooperating with police in the ongoing investigation.
Just hours before the accident, Sarala had shared a deeply emotional message on Facebook, celebrating her 14-year friendship with Arija and wishing her a heartfelt happy birthday.
In the post, she described Arija as more than a friend, calling her a “sister-like companion” and her “partner in crime.”
Part of Sarala’s message read:
“Should I call you my friend or my sister, because you feel more like a sister than just a friend. You are the one I can show all my tantrums to, argue endlessly with, fight childishly, yet never think twice before saying anything—because no one understands me better than you. Fourteen years of our crazy journey, and you’ve always been my permanent companion, my safe place, my reality check, and my endless chatter partner. From laughing till our stomachs hurt to comforting each other in tears—we’ve seen it all, and still grown stronger together.”
The message, overflowing with love and gratitude, has now turned into a poignant reminder of their enduring bond—cut short by tragedy on the very day of Arija’s birthday.
