Elderly Driver Charged After Fatal Car Crash in Australia
Melbourne, Dec 11 – Australian police have charged a 66-year-old man following a car crash in Victoria state that resulted in the death of five Indian-origin individuals and left several others injured. The incident occurred on November 5 when the man drove his SUV into the beer garden of the Royal Daylesford Hotel, colliding with ten people who were celebrating their weekend.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
The Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) has charged the driver, identified as William Swale from Mount Macedon, with five counts of culpable driving causing death, two counts of negligently causing serious injury, and seven counts of reckless conduct endangering life. Swale appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
According to reports, Swale missed a right-hand bend while driving along Albert Street in Daylesford, mounting the kerb and striking the patrons sitting outside the hotel. The crash claimed the lives of Vivek Bhatia (38), his son Vihan (11), Pratibha Sharma (44), her daughter Anvi (nine), and her partner Jatin Chugh (30). Anvi, who was taken to the hospital, later succumbed to her injuries.
In addition to the fatalities, five other individuals, including Ruchi Bhatia (36), Abeer Bhatia (six), and an 11-month-old child, were also taken to the hospital for treatment. The police have confirmed that the 11-month-old baby, a 43-year-old woman from Kyneton, and a 38-year-old man from Cockatoo have been discharged.
Investigations have revealed that Swale, who is an “insulin-dependent diabetic,” was admitted to medical care after the accident and was questioned by the police on November 7. He was found to have no alcohol in his system and was subsequently released. Swale’s lawyer, Martin Amad, stated that his client has no criminal history and had a negative blood alcohol reading after the collision. Amad also mentioned that Swale is deeply distressed and empathizes with the victims’ families and the Daylesford community.
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
During a press conference, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “an absolute tragedy.” He stated that all the victims were visitors to the area.
This devastating car crash has shaken the community and serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety. The legal proceedings against the driver will continue as the affected families and the community mourn the loss of their loved ones.
