Pregnant Indian woman killed in Sydney: A 33-year-old Indian-origin woman, eight months pregnant, was killed in a horrific road accident in Sydney’s Hornsby suburb on Friday night. The woman, identified as Samanvitha Dhareshwar, was walking with her husband and three-year-old son when she was fatally struck. She was just weeks away from giving birth to her second child.
According to Australian police, a Kia slowed down near the entrance of a parking garage to allow the family to cross. At that moment, the Kia was hit from behind by a speeding BMW, allegedly driven by 19-year-old Aaron Papazoglu. The impact pushed the Kia forward, striking Dhareshwar as she stepped past the entrance.
Dhareshwar suffered major injuries. Paramedics treated her at the scene before she was rushed to Westmead Hospital, but doctors were unable to save either her or her unborn baby, Australia’s 7 News reported.
Her LinkedIn profile shows she was a qualified IT systems analyst working with Alsco Uniforms, a uniform rental company.
Teenage BMW Driver Arrested and Denied Bail
Papazoglu was arrested at his Wahroonga home on Saturday morning and charged with: dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death and causing the loss of a foetus.
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During the bail hearing, Magistrate Ray Plibersek described the crash as “an absolutely tragic case” and refused bail due to the severity of the allegations. “It’s a terrible outcome for two families,” he was quoted as saying.
Police allege that the teen was speeding, though prosecutors noted they are still reviewing evidence supporting the claim, according to the UK’s Daily Mail.
Zoe’s Law Could Add Extra Prison Time
The case may fall under Zoe’s Law, introduced in New South Wales in 2022. The legislation allows courts to impose up to three additional years in prison for offenders convicted of dangerous or negligent driving that results in the death of an unborn child.
Residents have placed flowers, notes and heartfelt messages at the crash site. One tribute read: “I pray for you and your little one that you are held with love as you leave this world. Words can’t describe how sorry I am that this has happened to you.” Another woman, who witnessed the aftermath while on her nightly walk, left a card addressed to “Dear Mum + Bub + family.” She wrote, “I arrived here on my nightly walk just after the accident occurred… While we don’t know each other, it was a great privilege to be present with you for those moments.” She signed the message “Laura.”
The investigation is ongoing as police continue to piece together the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
