Police in Melbourne are investigating after a woman and a primary school-aged child died in Box Hill, in the city’s eastern suburbs, on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
According to ABC News, emergency services were called to Prospect Street shortly before 6:20 p.m. after reports that a woman had been found unresponsive outside an apartment building. An unresponsive child was discovered nearby a short time later.
Victoria Police confirmed that both the woman and the child could not be revived and died at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. Police had not publicly identified the woman or child in the report, and no confirmed explanation for what happened had been released.
What Happened in Box Hill?
The incident was reported on Prospect Street in Box Hill, a suburb in Melbourne’s east.
ABC News reported that police received a call shortly before 6:20 p.m. on Thursday concerning a woman who had been found unresponsive outside an apartment block. A child was then found unresponsive nearby.
Emergency responders attended, but both individuals died at the scene.
Authorities have not released further verified details about the events leading up to the discovery. The precise circumstances of the incident remain a matter for investigators.
Police Investigation Underway
Victoria Police are investigating the deaths to establish what occurred.
At the time of ABC News’ report, police said they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident. That statement reflects the information available at the time and should not be interpreted as a definitive finding about the cause of the deaths.
Investigators have appealed for information from anyone who witnessed the incident or may know something relevant. Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
No cause of death or official account of the circumstances had been confirmed in the report reviewed for this article.
Identities Have Not Been Publicly Confirmed
The woman and child had not been publicly identified in the ABC News report.
Further details about their ages, family relationship, residence, or personal backgrounds should not be assumed without confirmation from police or an authorized family announcement.
In cases involving the death of a child, authorities may withhold identifying details while inquiries continue and until appropriate notifications have been completed.
Community Awaits Further Information
The deaths have drawn attention to a serious incident in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. As the investigation continues, further information may emerge about the circumstances surrounding the discovery and the identities of those who died.
For now, the confirmed details remain limited to the location, the approximate time police were called, and the deaths of a woman and a primary school-aged child after they were found unresponsive.
The investigation remains ongoing, and any additional information should be based on official police updates or credible reporting.
Editorial disclaimer: This article is based on reporting by ABC News citing Victoria Police. The identities of the deceased, the cause of death, and the full circumstances of the incident had not been confirmed in the source reviewed. No conclusions about responsibility or the events leading to the deaths are drawn here.