An Albion father of two who was struck by a car in a hit-run collision near his home faces a long recovery.
Jimmy Kalia’s wife, Bindu, said her husband was expected to remain in Royal Melbourne hospital’s intensive care unit for about a month before being transferred to a rehabilitation clinic to begin learning how to walk again.
“It’s a long recovery,” she said. “He’s not able to walk … he’s on medication, he’s in a lot of pain.”
About 11pm on Saturday, April 8, Mr Kalia was hit and left for dead on Anderson Road, near Ridley Street, by a car headed for Ballarat Road.
The 37-year-old was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition and underwent surgery for major injuries to his kidney, stomach and back.
Last week, his condition was upgraded from critical to stable.
Detective Sergeant Mark Amos said police remained hopeful the driver would hand themselves in despite more than two weeks having passed since the incident.
He said detectives were trying to locate a silvery-blue 2011-15 model Toyota Camry.
He appealed for the driver to contact the police and anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
“Come and talk to us because there may be circumstances that we are unaware of that could help explain why young Jimmy has spent the last few weeks in ICU,” he said.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to assist Mr Kalia’s wife and children.
To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/help-mel-hit-run-victim-jimmy.
