Tragic Death of 8-Month Pregnant Indian Woman in Sydney BMW Crash: Legal Implications Under Zoe's Law

Police reported that Dhareshwar sustained fatal injuries in the tragic incident

A 33-year-old Indian woman who was eight months pregnant has lost her life in a devastating car accident in Sydney, Australia. According to police reports, Samanvitha Dhareshwar, who was expecting her second child within weeks, was taking an evening stroll with her husband and three-year-old son when the fatal incident occurred last week.

Authorities explained that a Kia Carnival had slowed down to allow Dhareshwar and her family to cross the footpath along George St in Hornsby around 8 pm on Friday when a speeding BMW collided with the rear of the vehicle. The force of the impact propelled the Kia forward, striking Dhareshwar as she was crossing a car park entrance.

Officials stated that Dhareshwar suffered catastrophic injuries and was immediately transported to Westmead Hospital. Tragically, medical professionals were unable to save either her life or that of her unborn child.

The BMW was allegedly driven by Aaron Papazoglu, a 19-year-old P-plater (a driver with a provisional or probationary license). Police confirmed that the drivers of both the BMW and the Kia escaped the incident without injuries.

It remains unclear whether Dhareshwar's husband and three-year-old child sustained any injuries during the accident.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Dhareshwar was a qualified IT systems analyst with expertise in business application administration and support. She was employed as a test analyst at Alsco uniforms.

Police later apprehended the BMW driver at his residence in Wahroonga. He faces charges including dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and causing the loss of a foetus.

When presented before a magistrate, he was denied bail due to the gravity of the charges.

The driver is likely to be prosecuted under Zoe's Law, which was enacted in New South Wales (NSW) in 2022. This legislation allows for more severe penalties for crimes resulting in the death of an unborn child. If convicted, offenders can face up to three additional years of imprisonment beyond the underlying sentence for dangerous or negligent driving.