A Sydney community is rallying around a chef whose wife remains in an induced coma after being critically injured when a car struck her and another pedestrian at a crossing. Nurhayati Pamungkas was on her way to collect her two children from school on Tuesday afternoon when she was hit by a Toyota Tarago in Lakemba, a suburb in the city's southwest.
She sustained severe head injuries and was transported to Liverpool Hospital, where she is currently in intensive care. Doctors anticipate it may be up to a week before she regains consciousness. The other pedestrian, a man in his 60s, was also critically injured and taken to St George Hospital. He had been walking home from prayers at a nearby mosque.
Agung Pamungkas, Nurhayati's husband and a chef at Dicks Hotel Balmain and Paddington bar Apache Salut for over five years, is now caring for their two young children. The owner of Dick's Hotel, Elia Economou, established a GoFundMe page to support the family during this uncertain period, allowing Mr. Pamungkas to focus on his wife's recovery.
"In a matter of seconds, the life (that) she and her husband Agung had worked so hard to build was turned upside down," the fundraiser states. "Many people know Agung as the much-loved chef... where he has quietly looked after people through food, smiles and friendship for more than five years."
The fundraising effort had already garnered nearly $30,000 within its first 24 hours, with hotel staff expressing gratitude for the public's support. "The community has been great, we just want to help him and the family," they told reporters.
Witnesses reported that the Toyota Tarago allegedly ran a red light before colliding with the pedestrians. The vehicle then reportedly crashed into two other cars stopped at the intersection on the opposite side of the road. The driver, an 82-year-old man, was taken to the hospital for assessment and mandatory testing. NSW Police are continuing their investigation into the incident, and no charges have been laid. Authorities are appealing for information and dashcam footage from anyone who may have witnessed the collision.