Emergency services responded to two separate fatal road incidents in Sydney during the early hours of Wednesday and Saturday, according to NSW Police.
Incident 1: Royal National Park (Wednesday, 1:15 AM)
A car became submerged in water at Audley Weir in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 1:15 AM on Wednesday.
Vehicle and Occupants
A blue Audi, carrying two male occupants, entered the water. The driver, a 20-year-old man, escaped the vehicle. The passenger, also a 20-year-old man, became trapped inside the submerged car. Police divers later recovered the passenger's body from the vehicle. The body has not been formally identified.
Sequence of Events
Police allege the Audi struck a silver Mercedes driven by an 18-year-old man before entering the water. Two cars were involved in the incident, according to acting Inspector Steven Planinic. A passenger from the Mercedes is voluntarily providing information to police.
Investigation
A police dive squad was initially delayed due to ongoing investigations into a separate fatal yacht rescue in South Ballina, as well as low nighttime visibility at the scene. A second dive team was dispatched. The driver was taken to hospital for mandatory blood testing. Roadside blood alcohol tests were negative. Police are investigating whether the two cars were racing, but have not confirmed the cause of the crash. No charges have been filed. A mechanical examination of the Audi is ongoing. A crime scene has been established.
Traffic Advisory: Audley Road at Audley Weir is closed in both directions. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route.
Incident 2: Sans Souci (Saturday, 12:30 AM)
Emergency services were called to Rocky Point Road at Sans Souci at approximately 12:30 AM on Saturday following a two-car collision.
Sequence of Events
At 12:25 AM on Saturday, police attended a home on Second Avenue, Gymea Bay, after receiving a report concerning a welfare check related to a mental health incident. A 42-year-old man left the home in a white Audi before officers could speak with him. Superintendent Graham Hibbs stated that officers were unable to speak with the man prior to his departure.
At 12:30 AM, the white Audi rolled over a concrete barrier and landed on a blue Toyota sedan at Rocky Point Road, Sans Souci, approximately 7 km from the Gymea Bay residence.
Casualties
All three individuals involved in the crash died at the scene:
- The driver of the white Audi, a 42-year-old man
- The driver of the blue Toyota
- The passenger of the blue Toyota
Identities of the deceased have not been formally confirmed.
Aftermath
Superintendent Hibbs stated that the Audi was traveling at "considerable speed" at the time of the crash. Between 20 and 40 bystanders attempted to assist after one of the cars caught fire, according to the same source. Drugs and alcohol are a line of inquiry. A crime scene has been established. An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Note: Both drivers from the Audley Weir incident are in custody and being interviewed at Sutherland Police Station.