UPDATE: Startling new footage has just been released showing the moments leading up to a tragic car crash that resulted in the deaths of two young men during a high-speed police chase in Sydney.
Authorities confirm that the chase reached alarming speeds of over 200 km/h on the M4 motorway in January 2023, raising serious questions about police protocols in high-stakes situations. The footage, unveiled by the NSW Coroners Court, captures the police vehicle pursuing the Audi driven by Seifeddine Malas, 25, and his cousin Jebriel Dandan, 24, just minutes before their fatal crash.
The harrowing chase began when Malas, driving an Audi sports sedan, sped down Centenary Drive, evading police as they pursued him at dangerously high speeds. The officers, Senior Constable Peter Miliadis and Constable Martin Williams, were seen accelerating around bends to keep the vehicle within sight, reaching speeds of approximately 165 km/h.
The incident escalated as the Audi veered off the road, crashing through a guard rail and flipping over before erupting in flames. Eyewitness accounts state that the car was engulfed by fire moments after the impact, leaving investigators to piece together the tragic final moments of the two relatives.
“The speeds driven by the police were excessive,” stated Counsel Surya Palaniappan during the inquest.
Coroner Joan Baptie is now scrutinizing the actions of the police officers involved, particularly their decision not to activate lights and sirens immediately upon spotting the speeding vehicle. Instead, they opted for a nine-second speed check, a choice that is under intense examination for its appropriateness given the circumstances.
Legal representatives for the victims’ families argue that this decision reflects a troubling prioritization of stealth over safety. Solicitor Oussama Elfawal emphasized this point, questioning whether the officers’ tactics contributed to the deadly outcome.
As the inquest continues, it has been revealed that Malas had a history of dangerous driving, including a prior incident in June 2022 where he was caught driving at 176 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. At the time of his death, he was under a three-year licence disqualification and was due in court for an appeal the day following the crash.
The tragic deaths of Dandan and Malas have sparked widespread outrage and have raised critical questions about police pursuit policies in New South Wales. The implications of the inquest findings could lead to significant changes in how law enforcement handles high-speed pursuits, with public safety at the forefront of discussions.
This ongoing investigation is drawing attention not only for its immediate implications but also for the broader impact it may have on policing practices in Australia. As the court examines these events, the families of the deceased continue to seek answers and accountability.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on this tragic incident.
