Aussie entertainer Molly Meldrum 'critical' after ladder fall

Molly Meldrum is in a critical condition after falling from a ladder while hanging Christmas decorations. Photo / Supplied

Australia is awaiting news of "national treasure" Molly Meldrum, after he had surgery for life-threatening injuries he suffered in a fall at his Melbourne home.

The music industry legend, 65, fell about three metres at his Richmond home late on Thursday afternoon while putting up decorations for his forthcoming Christmas party.

He suffered injuries to his head and chest and was put into an induced coma before being taken to The Alfred hospital, where he remained in a critical condition.

Long-time friend Garry Spry said Meldrum had broken ribs, a possible punctured lung and swelling on the brain after splitting his head open between 5pm and 6pm (AEDT).

There were conflicting reports about whether Meldrum fell from a ladder or down the steps of his elevated spa.

Mr Spry said Meldrum slipped down the steps of his spa, which he described as being eight to 10 feet above ground.

"We don't know what exactly happened. I think he was putting up decorations for his Christmas party, which was next Sunday,'' he told reporters.

"Everyone is pretty hopeful. He has shown signs of recognising people."

Singer Russell Morris was with Meldrum and went home about an hour before the accident happened, Mr Spry said.

Meldrum's brother Brian was with him at the hospital, he said.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said Meldrum fell from a ladder.

"He fell from a ladder, at some height, he was unconscious when we arrived,'' the spokeswoman told AAP.

Seven Network's Melbourne managing director, Lewis Martin, said Meldrum was a friend and everyone was hoping for good news.

"Molly Meldrum is a national treasure,'' he told reporters.

News of the accident sparked a surge of supportive messages on Twitter and Facebook.

The hashtag #loveyoumolly featured a number of well-wishers and prayers from Australian music and entertainment celebrities.

"Musical Legend. Willie Wonka of Pop. Magical Maestro. Adorable Man. #loveyoumolly Get Well Soon x,'' singer Darren Hayes tweeted.

Danni Minogue tweeted that she's "thinking of him tonight'', while comedian Adam Hills said: "Sending every possible happy and healing thought to Molly Meldrum tonight. 'Don't leave us this way'.''

Meldrum's name is synonymous with music in Australia.

He has hosted TV show Countdown, regularly appeared on variety show Hey Hey It's Saturday and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the music world.

Most recently he interviewed global superstar Beyonce.

His interview sparked an internet rumour that the singer's baby bump was a prosthetic.

Meldrum is famous for his trademark stetson hat and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1986 for services to the fostering of international relief and to youth.

- AAP