UPDATE: A crucial coronial inquest is set to probe the tragic Daylesford hotel crash, which claimed the lives of five people in November 2023. The inquest will examine the safety of outdoor dining and the implications for diabetic drivers. Coroner Dimitra Dubrow revealed that more than 60 witnesses are expected to testify over nine days in March 2026, as the investigation seeks to identify potential preventative measures to save lives.
The horrific incident occurred when a BMW, driven by diabetic William Swale, careened down a hill and crashed into diners seated at wooden picnic tables outside the Royal Daylesford Hotel. The collision resulted in the instant deaths of Vihaan Bhatia, aged 11, and his father, Vivek Bhatia, 38, along with family friends Pratibha Sharma, 44, and her partner Jatin Kumar, 30. Tragically, Sharma’s nine-year-old daughter, Anvi Sharma, succumbed to her injuries later in the hospital.
The aftermath of the crash left Ruchi Bhatia, Vihaan’s mother, and his brother, Abeer, seriously injured. Additionally, three other individuals, including a 43-year-old woman from Kyneton, a 38-year-old man from Cockatoo, and an 11-month-old boy, also sustained injuries.
In September 2023, a Ballarat magistrate found Swale had no case to answer regarding charges linked to the crash, stating he had a low blood sugar count and had received warnings from his mobile app before driving. This decision sparked widespread concern and underscored the need for an inquest into outdoor dining safety and its implications for diabetic drivers.
On Tuesday, counsel assisting the coroner, Rishi Nathwani, confirmed the inquest’s recommencement after it was previously paused due to the criminal proceedings. Notably, Swale has opted not to provide a statement to the coroner thus far, raising questions about accountability and safety measures for outdoor dining.
As the inquest approaches, the community and families impacted by this tragedy are looking for answers. The implications of this investigation extend beyond Daylesford, raising urgent questions about the safety of outdoor dining across Australia.
Stay tuned for updates as this critical inquest unfolds, aiming to shed light on the tragic loss of life and prevent such incidents in the future.
