Sydney (Rajeev Sharma): A late-evening walk turned tragic in Sydney’s north last week when an eight-month-pregnant Indian woman was fatally struck after a high-impact collision pushed a vehicle into her path.
The victim, Samanvitha Dhareshwar, 33, had been strolling along George Street in Hornsby with her husband and their three-year-old son last Friday when the incident unfolded. Police say a Kia Carnival had paused near the entrance of a car park to allow the family to cross. Within seconds, a BMW reportedly travelling at excessive speed smashed into the rear of the Kia, sending it lurching forward.
The sudden movement of the Kia struck Dhareshwar, leaving her with extensive injuries. Paramedics transported her to Westmead Hospital, but doctors could not save her or her unborn child.
Authorities have identified the BMW driver as 19-year-old P-plate holder Aaron Papazoglu. Neither he nor the Kia driver sustained serious injuries, according to police. Officers have not clarified whether Dhareshwar’s husband or child required medical attention.
Dhareshwar was known professionally as an experienced IT systems analyst, most recently working as a test analyst for Alsco Uniforms, according to her professional profile.
Papazoglu was arrested later that night at his Wahroonga residence. He now faces multiple charges, including dangerous driving resulting in death, negligent driving, and causing the death of a foetus. Given the gravity of the allegations, a magistrate refused his application for bail.
Prosecutors are expected to proceed under Zoe’s Law, legislation enacted in New South Wales in 2022. The law acknowledges the death of an unborn child in criminal cases and allows courts to impose additional jail time—potentially adding up to three years to a sentence in cases involving dangerous or negligent driving.
The fatal crash has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of speed limits on suburban roads. Local residents have been leaving tributes near the crash site as the community mourns the loss of a mother and her unborn child. Police continue to investigate and urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.
