A man described as 'well known to police' has been formally charged following a devastating two-car collision that resulted in the tragic deaths of two women and forced the complete closure of a major highway in both directions. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted a swift response from emergency services.
Emergency Response and Arrest
Emergency services were urgently dispatched to a service station located on King Georges Road in South Hurstville, situated in Sydney's southern suburbs, on Saturday morning. The call came in response to reports concerning a stolen vehicle, which quickly escalated into a far more serious situation.
Fatal Collision and Immediate Aftermath
The horrific crash involved two vehicles and led to the immediate fatalities of two women. Following the collision, a 31-year-old man allegedly fled the scene on foot. He was subsequently apprehended by police a short time later on Nepean Avenue in Camden, not far from the initial incident location.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The suspect was transported to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory medical testing as part of standard police procedure. After being cleared, he was taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he faced formal charges. The charges are extensive, totaling eleven separate offences.
The most serious charges include two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, specifically related to driving in a manner dangerous. Additional charges likely pertain to the stolen vehicle and his conduct following the crash.
Court Appearance and Bail Denied
The man was refused bail during his initial processing, underscoring the severity of the allegations against him. He is scheduled to appear before the Bail Division Court 6 on Sunday, where the legal proceedings will formally commence. The refusal of bail indicates that the court deemed him a potential flight risk or a danger to the community.
Impact on Traffic and Community
The crash had a significant disruptive impact, causing the shutdown of a major arterial highway in both directions for an extended period. This closure led to substantial traffic delays and required extensive coordination from traffic management authorities to redirect vehicles and clear the scene.
The local community in South Hurstville and surrounding areas has been deeply affected by this tragedy, with many expressing condolences for the victims and their families. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the fatal collision.
