URGENT UPDATE: Tragedy struck in Sydney as 33-year-old Samanvitha Dhareshwar, who was eight months pregnant, lost her life following a horrific car crash in the suburb of Hornsby. The incident occurred last Friday evening as she was walking with her husband and their three-year-old son when a speeding BMW collided with their vehicle.
According to police reports, as the family attempted to cross the footpath on George Street, a Kia Carnival slowed down to allow them to pass. In a devastating turn, a 19-year-old driver, identified as Aaron Papazoglu from Wahroonga, crashed into the rear of the Kia, propelling it forward and fatally striking Dhareshwar. She sustained catastrophic injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital, but unfortunately, both she and her unborn child were pronounced dead.
Papazoglu has been arrested and faces serious charges including dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and causing the loss of a foetus. He has not yet entered any pleas. Due to the severity of the charges, bail has been denied.
The incident is being addressed under Zoe’s Law, enacted in New South Wales in 2022, which imposes stricter penalties for the death of an unborn child resulting from criminal actions. If convicted, Papazoglu could face an additional three years in prison.
Witnesses have reported the scene as “very confronting,” with floral tributes growing at the crash site as the community mourns the loss of Samanvitha. Police are actively urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Samanvitha was well-regarded in her profession, working as a test analyst for Alsco Uniforms, and was known for her expertise in IT systems. The impact of this tragic event reverberates through the community, highlighting the urgent need for road safety measures.
As investigations continue, the public is reminded of the serious consequences of dangerous driving. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
