8-month-pregnant Indian-origin IT analyst killed due to speeding BMW in Sydney

A 33-year-old, eight-months-pregnant Indian-origin woman was killed after being hit by a car in the Sydney suburb of Hornsby, Australian authorities said. Samanvitha Dhareshwar was walking with her husband and three-year-old son when tragedy struck. She was just weeks away from welcoming her second child.

According to police, a Kia car slowed down to let Dhareshwar and her family walk near the entrance of a parking garage when it was hit from behind by a speeding BMW being driven by 19-year-old Aaron Papazoglu.

The impact pushed the Kia forward, hitting Dhareshwar when she crossed the car park entrance.

She suffered catastrophic injuries and was rushed to Westmead Hospital, but both she and her unborn child could not be saved, 7 News reported. The incident occurred on Friday night.

According to reports, the accused was later arrested at his Wahroonga home and charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and causing the loss of a foetus.

Dhareshwar received treatment from paramedics at the scene before being rushed to the hospital, according to another report in the Herald Sun.

According to her LinkedIn, Dhareshwar was a qualified IT systems analyst, working for Alsco Uniforms, a uniform rental company.

ACCUSED AUSTRALIAN TEEN DRIVING BMW DENIED BAIL

Magistrate Ray Plibersek described the crash as "an absolutely tragic case" and denied Papazoglu bail, citing the seriousness of the matter.

"It's a terrible outcome for two families," the broadcaster quoted the Magistrate as saying.

The accused was arrested on Saturday morning.

Police alleged Papazoglu was speeding, although prosecutors were unsure what evidence supported that claim, the UK's The Daily Mail reported.

In 2022, New South Wales introduced Zoe's Law, legislation allowing for tougher penalties for crimes resulting in the death of an unborn child.

Under this law, offenders convicted of dangerous or negligent driving causing such a death can face up to three additional years in prison, added to their underlying sentence.

PEOPLE OFFER TRIBUTE AT SYDNEY CRASH SITE

Flowers and messages have been left at the accident site.

"I pray for you and your little one that you are held with love as you leave this world Words can't describe how sorry I am that this has happened to you," one message read.

A woman who rushed to Dhareshwar's aid in her final moments has since been removed.

The woman was out walking near Hornsby train station on Friday night when she witnessed the crash.

On a card she later left at the scene addressed to "Dear Mum + Bub + family," she explained that "I arrived here on my nightly walk just after the accident occurred," UK's Daily Mail reported.

"While we don't know each other, it was a great privilege to be present with you for those moments," the woman, who signed off as "Laura," wrote.

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