Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews in intensive care with damage to his vertebrae and ribs

Mr Andrews’ office told the ABC the Premier did not have head injuries.(

AAP: James Ross

)

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is in intensive care in hospital with damage to his vertebrae and ribs after falling over while getting ready for work this morning.

In a statement, Mr Andrews said he slipped and fell on wet slippery stairs early this morning at the holiday accommodation he was staying at on the Mornington Peninsula.

Mr Andrews had been on leave over the long weekend in Victoria and was due to return to work today.

“A CT scan revealed several broken ribs and vertebrae damage, and subsequent medical advice has recommended I remain in intensive care for the next few days,” Mr Andrews said.

“Cath, the kids and I are extremely grateful to the Ambulance Victoria paramedics who showed such great care and kindness to our family this morning, as we are to the clinicians who have taken care of me today.”

Mr Andrews thanked family, friends, and Victorians who had sent messages of support.

“I hope to be able to provide another update later this week,” he said.

“For now we’d like to ask that our family’s privacy is respected.”

Earlier today, the Premier’s office told the ABC that Mr Andrews did not have head injuries, but that the fall was “concerning” and he had gone to hospital for x-rays as a precaution.

Deputy Premier James Merlino took over Mr Andrews’ duties today, including announcing a new truth and justice royal commission for Victoria’s Indigenous people.

Mr Merlino said Mr Andrews was still at the hospital undergoing “precautionary x-rays”.

“He’s fine and will be back on his feet very shortly,” the Deputy Premier said, adding that it was a “nasty” fall.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison texted a message of support to Mr Andrews earlier today.

Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien earlier tweeted to wish the Premier well.

“Hope it’s not serious. Wishing Daniel a speedy recovery,” he wrote.

Greens state MP for Melbourne Ellen Sandell also hoped Mr Andrews had a “speedy recovery”.

It is not clear if he will be back at work in time for the next sitting of Parliament on March 16.

He was a mainstay during the state’s coronavirus crisis, fronting more than 100 consecutive daily press conferences during the second wave.

The 48-year-old has been the leader of the Victorian Labor Party since 2010 and Premier since 2014.

ABC