A man ‘well known to police’ has been charged following a horror two-car smash that left two women dead and shut down a major highway in both directions.
Emergency services were called to a service station on King Georges Road, South Hurstville, in Sydney‘s south on Saturday morning following reports of a stolen car.
A 31-year-old man, who allegedly ran from the scene was arrested shortly after on Nepean Avenue, Camden.
He was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing before being taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with eleven offences including two counts of dangerous driving occasion death-drive manner dangerous.
The suspect was refused bail and will appear before the Bail Division Court 6 on Sunday.
The tragedy unfolded after officers were told a 25-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by the suspect who then stole his red Toyota Camry and fled the scene.
A short time later, highway patrol officers tracked down the vehicle on King Georges Road in Beverley Hills and launched a pursuit when the car failed to stop.
Officers followed the vehicle along the M5 before the chase was terminated at Bankstown due to safety reasons. A police helicopter continued to follow the car.
Two women aged 60 and 84 in the Alfa Romeo both died at the scene
Emergency services were called to a service station on King Georges Road, South Hurstville, in Sydney’s south on Saturday morning following reports of a stolen car
Two women were killed following the horrific crash
About 11.10am, the Toyota collided with a white Alfa Romeo sedan travelling along the Old Hume Highway at Camden South.
Two women aged 60 and 84 in the Alfa Romeo both died at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency responders. Police have since confirmed the pair were family members.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said police were not pursing the suspect during the 40 minute period leading up to the crash.
‘It was one of the most reckless and dangerous, demonstrations of driving I’ve seen in a long time,’ Commissioner McFadden said.
‘I’ve watched the footage from our aviation support aircraft, and I can tell you that there were no police vehicles around this driver.’
In footage from the scene, the Toyota Camry and the Alfa Romeo are seen with significant damage, with the Romeo’s windshield completely shattered.
A man was seen being consoled by bystanders at the scene.
A witness told Daily Mail they saw the Toyota Camry driving on the wrong side of the road while being followed by about 4-5 marked and unmarked police cars.
A man remains in custody after he was charged over the fatal crash
Other shocked witnesses described the incident as confronting
Police confirmed the deceased women were family members
Other shocked witnesses described the incident as confronting.
‘There was just a very loud crash and violent bang and after that, it was just sirens and helicopters,’ Bruno told Ten News.
‘As someone who lives here, it happens a lot.
‘We had two fatalities in the same spot last year. It’s just devastating that it keeps happening.’
Veronica added: ‘The cops were doing a revival on a lady. It was very confronting and very sad to see.’
The occupants of the Alfa Romeo died at the scene
In footage from the scene, the Toyota Camry and the Alfa Romeo are seen with significant damage
Shocked retirement village residents watched the dramatic arrest unfold.
‘I was just sitting on my veranda talking to my daughter when I saw this young bloke rushing up here, running for his life,’ Lesley Dickson told reporters.
The highway was closed in both directions at the intersection of Camden Bypass, with drivers diverted via Burragorang Road and Cawdor Road.
The suspect was also charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed manner dangerous, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, negligent driving (occasioning death), unlicenced driving and assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle.
A Critical Incident Team from Burwood Police Area Command will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents, supported by the St George Police Area Command and the Crash Investigation Unit.
The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).