A serious single-vehicle crash at a popular south Canberra shopping centre has left one person fighting for their life, with emergency crews mounting a large-scale response.
Chaotic Scene at Mawson Shopping Centre
Emergency services were called to the Mawson shopping centre just after 10:20am on Sunday, January 18, 2026, following reports a car had ploughed into a storefront. Initial reports indicate a blue hatchback drove from the supermarket's click-and-collect area directly into the window of the neighbouring BWS bottle shop.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with shopping bags visible in the boot of the vehicle, suggesting the driver may have been completing a grocery run prior to the incident. The force of the impact caused significant damage to the shopfront.
Major Emergency Response
The severity of the incident triggered a substantial emergency response. Approximately ten police vehicles and five ambulances were dispatched to the location on Mawson Place. Paramedics treated one person at the scene for serious injuries before transporting them to hospital.
The area around the damaged BWS was immediately cordoned off for public safety and to allow for a thorough investigation by ACT Policing. The entrance to the adjacent Woolworths supermarket was also fenced off, however, the store remained open to customers via an alternative entry point.
Ongoing Disruption and Investigation
The BWS store remains closed indefinitely while structural assessments and repairs are undertaken. The crash has caused significant disruption to the local shopping precinct, a key hub for the southern Canberra community.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the cause of the accident or the condition of the driver. An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the roadway and crashing into the building.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for all motorists to exercise caution, particularly in busy retail areas with high pedestrian traffic.
