Two administrative staff members from a hospital were severely injured when a car veered onto the sidewalk during their coffee break in Sydney’s Inner West.

The incident involved a 47-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman, who were hit by a Mazda CX-5 SUV as it left the road and drove onto the footpath. This occurred around 10 a.m. near the entrance of Concord Hospital, located on Hospital Road in Concord.

Authorities have confirmed that both victims work in administrative roles at the hospital.

Following the accident, the woman was swiftly taken to Westmead Hospital with a police escort, while the man was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Both individuals are currently in critical condition.

“The nature of their injuries indicated they were to be taken to a trauma hospital, which is designated across the system,” NSW Police Inspector Paul Chachaty said.

“Our initial investigation has shown that the black CX-5 has mounted the kerb whilst conducting a U-turn and struck the pedestrians who were on the kerb.”

The driver of the CX-5, a 59-year-old woman, was taken to Concord Hospital for mandatory testing.

“The woman was with a passenger, I am led to believe she was the carer for that passenger,” Chachaty said.

“She understandably is shaken by the whole situation, but she is cooperating with our investigation.”

“This has obviously been a tragic incident today involving that woman and her passenger, and of course, our two staff from Concord Hospital,” Sydney Local Health District chief executive Debra Wilcox said.

“(They are) administrative staff here that support one of our clinical services, they work together in that unit as colleagues.”

A crime scene has been established and is being examined by police.