UPDATE: A crucial coronial inquest into the tragic Daylesford hotel crash will focus on the safety of outdoor dining and the impact of diabetes on driving. The inquest, set to begin in March 2026, comes after the devastating incident in November 2023, where a BMW, driven by diabetic William Swale, crashed into diners, resulting in the deaths of five people.
Coroner Dimitra Dubrow revealed that over 60 witnesses are expected to provide evidence during this nine-day investigation. The inquest aims to uncover potential safety measures that could prevent similar tragedies, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced regulations regarding outdoor dining areas.
The horrific crash occurred outside the Royal Daylesford Hotel, where diners were seated at wooden picnic tables. Among the victims were Vihaan Bhatia, just 11 years old, and his father Vivek Bhatia, aged 38, who both died at the scene. Family friends, Pratibha Sharma, 44, and Jatin Kumar, 30, also lost their lives. Tragically, Sharma’s nine-year-old daughter, Anvi, succumbed to her injuries later in the hospital. The Bhatia family faced severe injuries, with Ruchi Bhatia and her son Abeer among those seriously hurt.
In a previous ruling, a Ballarat magistrate found that Swale, who had been driving with dangerously low blood sugar levels and multiple alerts from his mobile app, had no case to answer, dismissing all charges against him.
On Tuesday, counsel assisting the coroner, Rishi Nathwani, announced that the coronial investigation would resume after being paused during the criminal proceedings. Notably, Swale has chosen not to provide a statement to the coroner thus far.
The implications of this inquest extend beyond the immediate tragedy, prompting a reevaluation of outdoor dining safety protocols across the region. With public safety at stake, this investigation is poised to spark discussions about the responsibilities of drivers with medical conditions and the safety measures necessary for outdoor dining establishments.
As this inquest approaches, all eyes will be on the findings and recommendations that emerge, which could potentially lead to significant changes in safety regulations. The community and families affected by this tragedy are eager for answers and hope that lessons learned may prevent future incidents.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this urgent inquest unfolds, bringing critical attention to the safety of outdoor dining and the responsibilities of drivers with health concerns.
