Two Women Killed in Sydney After Police Pursuit Ends in Horror Crash
A devastating incident unfolded in Sydney's southwest on Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of two women and leaving a man under police guard in hospital. The tragedy occurred following a police pursuit that ended in a catastrophic collision.
Assault and Car Theft Trigger Police Response
Police were first alerted to reports of a stolen car at a service station on King Georges Road in South Hurstville around 10.20am. According to authorities, a 25-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by an unknown individual before his red sedan was stolen. Officers quickly located the stolen vehicle in Beverly Hills, but the driver failed to stop, initiating a police chase.
Pursuit Halted and Fatal Collision
The pursuit was officially terminated near Bankstown, with a PolAir helicopter taking over to track the car. However, at approximately 11.10am, the stolen red sedan smashed into an Alfa Romeo sedan on the Old Hume Highway in Camden South. The two women inside the Alfa Romeo, aged 60 and 84, received immediate treatment from police and paramedics but could not be saved and died at the scene. It is understood they were part of an extended family.
Arrest and Police Investigation
The 31-year-old driver of the stolen car fled the crash site on foot but was arrested a short distance away at a nearby retirement village. He was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing and remains under police guard. Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden stated, "I would have to say it was one of the most extreme and dangerous pieces of driving I've seen in a long time." He added, "The 31-year-old male that is in custody is well known to us and he is directly responsible for the death of those two women."
Critical Incident Declared and Review Process
A critical incident has been declared, with multiple crime scenes established. The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). McFadden explained that police employed a special chase tactic, with PolAir playing a crucial role by beaming back live footage of the driver as officers strategized to stop him safely while he sped down the M5 motorway.
Police Confidence in Tactics
Authorities expressed confidence that police actions did not contribute to the crash. McFadden noted, "I've watched between 40 and 50 minutes of vision, and I can say that there were no police vehicles approximate to this vehicle for the vast majority of time he was driving." This assurance comes amid ongoing scrutiny of police pursuit protocols and their impact on public safety.
