8-month Pregnant Indian woman killed in Sydney BMW crash; teen driver arrested
Samanvitha Dhareshwar was out for an evening walk with her husband and three-year-old son when the fatal crash occurred in Hornsby last Friday
PTC Web Desk: A tragic road accident in Sydney has claimed the life of a 33-year-old Indian-origin woman who was just weeks away from delivering her second child. Samanvitha Dhareshwar was out for an evening walk with her husband and three-year-old son when the fatal crash occurred in Hornsby last Friday.
According to the police, the incident took place around 8 pm on George Street. A Kia Carnival had slowed down to allow the family to cross a footpath when a speeding BMW slammed into its rear. The force of the impact pushed the Kia forward, striking Dhareshwar as she walked past a car park entrance.
She sustained severe, life-threatening injuries and was immediately rushed to Westmead Hospital. Despite medical efforts, both she and her unborn child could not be saved. Authorities have not confirmed whether her husband and young son sustained any injuries.
The BMW involved in the crash was allegedly driven by 19-year-old Aaron Papazoglu, who holds a provisional (P-plate) licence. The teenager and the occupants of the Kia escaped unharmed.
Dhareshwar, an IT professional specialising in business application support, worked as a test analyst with Alsco uniforms, according to her LinkedIn profile.
The police have arrested Papazoglu at his home in Wahroonga. He has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death and causing the loss of a foetus. A magistrate denied him bail, citing the gravity of the offences.
The case is expected to proceed under NSW’s Zoe’s Law, introduced in 2022, which permits enhanced penalties when an unborn child dies as a result of criminal negligence or dangerous driving. Offenders can face up to three additional years in prison if convicted.