UPDATE: A devastating car crash in Sydney has claimed the life of 33-year-old Samanvitha Dhareshwar, who was eight months pregnant, just last Friday, September 29, 2023. The incident occurred in the suburb of Hornsby as she walked with her husband and their three-year-old son.
Witnesses report that a Kia Carnival was slowing down to allow the family to cross near a car park entrance on George Street when a speeding BMW, driven by 19-year-old Aaron Papazoglu, slammed into the rear of the Kia. The impact force pushed the Kia forward, fatally striking Dhareshwar as she attempted to cross.
Despite being rushed to Westmead Hospital, both Samanvitha and her unborn child could not be saved. The severity of the situation has left the community in shock, with floral tributes rapidly accumulating at the crash site. Both drivers were unharmed, though it remains unclear if Dhareshwar’s husband and son sustained injuries.
Authorities have charged Papazoglu with multiple offenses, including dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and causing the loss of a fetus. He has yet to enter pleas, and bail has been denied due to the seriousness of the charges.
The tragic incident falls under Zoe’s Law, enacted in New South Wales in 2022, which allows for enhanced penalties when the death of an unborn child results from criminal actions. This legislation could potentially add up to three additional years to Papazoglu’s sentence if convicted.
Assistant Commissioner David Driver described the scene as “very confronting” for first responders, emphasizing the emotional weight of the tragedy. Local police are urging witnesses to step forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
As the community mourns this heartbreaking loss, the impact of this incident reverberates far beyond the immediate family, leaving many to reflect on the preciousness of life and the consequences of reckless driving. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
