SYDNEY – A devastating road accident in Sydney’s north has claimed the life of an Indian-origin IT professional and her unborn child, leaving a family shattered and a community in mourning.

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Samanvitha Dhareshwar, 33, was eight months pregnant when she was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking with her family in the suburb of Hornsby on Friday night. The incident, which police describe as a “tragic set of circumstances,” occurred just weeks before she was due to give birth to her second child.

The Incident

 

The tragedy unfolded shortly after 8:00 PM on George Street near the Hornsby railway station. According to New South Wales (NSW) Police, Ms. Dhareshwar was crossing a driveway entrance with her husband, Vineet, and their three-year-old son.

A Kia Carnival had stopped at the entrance to allow the family to cross. However, moments later, a BMW sedan allegedly driven by a 19-year-old provisional license holder rear-ended the stationary Kia. The force of the collision propelled the Kia forward, striking Ms. Dhareshwar.

First responders arrived quickly at the “confronting” scene. Paramedics treated Ms. Dhareshwar for critical injuries before rushing her to Westmead Hospital. Despite the desperate efforts of medical staff, both she and her unborn baby died a short time later.

Miraculously, her husband and young son were physically uninjured but were treated for shock.

Teen Driver Charged

 

Police arrested the driver of the BMW, identified as 19-year-old Aaron Papazoglu from Wahroonga, at the scene. He was taken for mandatory testing, which confirmed he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.

Papazoglu has been charged with multiple offenses, including:

• Dangerous driving occasioning death.

• Negligent driving occasioning death.

• Causing the loss of a foetus (under NSW’s Zoe’s Law).

The driver of the Kia, a 48-year-old man, was not injured.

Bail Denied in Emotional Court Hearing

During a bail hearing on Saturday, Magistrate Ray Plibersek refused the teenager’s release, citing the extreme gravity of the incident.

“It’s a terrible outcome for two families,” Magistrate Plibersek remarked, describing the event as “absolutely tragic.” The court heard that while the defense argued the crash was an unintended accident by a driver with a clean record, the catastrophic consequences warranted his remand.

A “Dream Life” Cut Short

 

Samanvitha Dhareshwar, originally from Karnataka, India, was building a life in Australia with her young family. She worked as a Systems Analyst for Alsco Uniforms and was well-regarded in her professional circle.

Reports indicate the couple had recently purchased land in Grantham Farm, in Sydney’s northwest, and had just submitted plans to build their dream double-storey home—plans that now stand as a heartbreaking reminder of a future stolen.

Community in Shock

 

The accident has sent shockwaves through the Indian-Australian community. Tributes of flowers and cards have been left at the scene of the crash. One poignant note from a witness named Laura read: “I pray for you and your little one that you are held with love as you leave this world… it was a great privilege to be present with you for those moments.”

The Consulate General of India in Sydney is reportedly in touch with the grieving family to provide consular assistance during this difficult time.

As the investigation continues, the accused remains in custody and is expected to face court again in January. The charges under Zoe’s Law—legislation introduced to recognize the loss of an unborn child in criminal acts—carry significant penalties, potentially adding years to any sentence if a conviction is recorded.