Man Faces Multiple Charges After Fatal Police Pursuit Crash in Sydney's Southwest
A 31-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences following a horrific crash in Sydney's southwest that claimed the lives of two women. The incident, which involved a police pursuit, occurred on the Old Hume Highway in Camden South at approximately 11.10am on Saturday.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The victims, aged 60 and 84, were passengers in an Alfa Romeo when a red sedan, allegedly stolen and involved in a police chase, slammed into their vehicle. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but tragically, both women could not be saved and died at the location. It is understood that the women were part of an extended family, adding to the profound loss felt by their loved ones.
Police Pursuit and Arrest
Police initially responded to reports of a stolen car at a service station on King Georges Road in South Hurstville around 10.20am on Saturday. A 25-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by the 31-year-old suspect before the red sedan was taken. Officers spotted the stolen vehicle in Beverly Hills shortly afterward, but it failed to stop, leading to a police chase.
The pursuit was terminated around Bankstown, with a PolAir helicopter tracking the car until it crashed into the Alfa Romeo. The driver of the sedan allegedly fled the crash site but was arrested a short distance away at a nearby retirement village. He was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing before being charged.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The man has been charged with 11 offences, including two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death, and not stopping at a stop line at a red light. He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear before court on Sunday. Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden described the suspect's driving as "one of the most extreme and dangerous pieces of driving I've seen in a long time", highlighting the severity of the incident.
Investigation and Oversight
A critical incident has been declared, with the investigation to be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). This ensures a thorough examination of the events leading up to the crash, including the police pursuit and response. The community is left mourning the loss of the two women, as authorities work to bring justice in this tragic case.
