This report from 7NEWS Australia: I’m Rachel Baxter reporting live from Westfield Coomera on the Gold Coast, where a 32‑year‑old female Uber driver remains in critical condition after being stabbed multiple times by a male passenger in the early hours of the morning.
Table of Contents
- The attack — what we know
- Emergency response and the crime scene
- Suspect and police appeal
- Community reaction
- What remains unclear
- Conclusion
- FAQ
The attack — what we know
Emergency services were called to Westfield Coomera at about 1:30am following reports that a 32‑year‑old woman, working as an Uber driver, had been attacked by a male passenger. According to on‑scene information, the woman was stabbed multiple times — in the face, the neck and the spine.
Security staff working an overnight shift heard the commotion, ran to assist, and called paramedics and police. The victim was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital and remains in a critical condition, fighting for her life.
Emergency response and the crime scene
As the morning progressed the food court area remained a sealed crime scene. Police, the dog squad and a Polaris vehicle searched the vicinity for clues. At one point an officer was seen picking up what appeared to be a knife; whether that item is the weapon used has not yet been confirmed by investigators.
Officers have promised to provide further details later today as the investigation continues.
Suspect and police appeal
As I went to air, the attacker was still at large. Police are urging anyone who was in the area at the time — or who has dashcam footage or other information — to contact authorities immediately. Even small pieces of footage or observations can be vital in an investigation like this.
How you can help
- Check dashcam or CCTV footage if you were driving or parked near Westfield Coomera around 1:30am.
- If you saw anything suspicious, no matter how minor it seemed at the time, contact police and report it.
- Avoid sharing unverified images or speculation on social media — let investigators do their work and share officially confirmed information.
Community reaction
Locals in the area were shaken. One resident told me, "Oh, it's terrible… People are scared to go out. You know, we all are very cautious now these days." The attack has understandably raised concerns about safety around transport hubs and shopping centres late at night.
"There's always something happening around here... People are scared to go out."
What remains unclear
- The full motive for the attack has not been released.
- Police have not confirmed whether the knife observed by officers at the scene is the weapon used.
- Official identification and description of the attacker have not yet been made public while the investigation is ongoing.
Conclusion
This remains a fast‑moving investigation. The priority is the welfare of the injured woman and capturing the person responsible. Police continue to appeal for witnesses and footage from anyone in the area at the relevant time. I will remain at the scene and provide updates as new information becomes available.
FAQ
What is the victim's condition?
The 32‑year‑old woman was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition with multiple stab wounds to the face, neck and spine. No further medical updates have been released publicly.
Is the attacker in custody?
At the time of reporting, the attacker remains on the run. Police are investigating and appealing for public assistance.
How can witnesses help?
Witnesses should contact local police immediately. If you have dashcam or CCTV footage from near Westfield Coomera around 1:30am, preserve that footage and make contact with authorities so it can be reviewed.
Are there safety tips for rideshare drivers?
- Where possible, wait in well‑lit, populated areas and use daytime pickup zones when available.
- Share trip details with a trusted contact and consider using in‑app safety features provided by rideshare companies.
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, do not commence the trip or end it in a safe, public location.
Who is providing updates?
Police will provide official updates as the investigation progresses. Local news outlets, including 7NEWS Australia, will report confirmed information as it becomes available.
