Two people have died and a driver has been arrested following a horror two-car crash that shut down a major highway in both directions.
Emergency services were called to a service station on King Georges Road, South Hurstville, in Sydney‘s south-west, following reports of a vehicle theft on Saturday.
Officers were told a 25-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by a 31-year-old man who then stole his red Toyota Camry and fled the scene.
A short time later, highway patrol officers tracked down the vehicle on King Georges Road in Beverley Hills.
When the car failed to stop when directed, a chase ensued.
Officers followed the vehicle down the M5 motorway before terminating the chase in Bankstown, with a police helicopter continuing to follow the car.
About 11.10am, the Toyota collided with an Alfa Romeo sedan on the Old Hume Highway at Camden South about 11.10am.
The two occupants in the car both died at the scene, despite efforts from police officers and paramedics.
Both of the vehicles involved in the crash have sustained significant damage
Police and fire crews were called to the major highway south-west of Sydney about 11.30am
A man was seen being consoled by a witness at the scene following the crash
The man was seen putting his hands on his head at one point
They are yet to be formally identified.
Police said the 31-year-old man was arrested after trying to flee the scene on foot.
He was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing, and will be taken to Campbelltown Police Station where inquiries will continue.
In footage from the scene, a cream and a red hatchback are seen with significant damage. One of the vehicle’s windshield has been completely shattered.
A man was seen being consoled by bystanders at the scene.
The highway was closed in both directions at the intersection of Camden Bypass, with drivers diverted via Burragorang Road and Cawdor Road.
Motorists have been told to avoid the area.
Emergency responders are seen erecting a Fire and Rescue NSW tent at the scene
Dozens of police officers were at the scene in South Camden on Saturday
The Old Hume Highway is expected to be closed for some time
Two women killed after allegedly reckless driver in stolen car crashes in Sydney’s south-west
Two family members have been killed in a crash with an allegedly stolen car in Sydney’s south-west.
Police say the man behind the wheel was driving in “one of the most extreme and dangerous” manners when the deadly collision occurred just after 11am today.
Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden alleged it started when a 31-year-old man, known to authorities, punched a 25-year-old man at a service station on King Georges Road in South Hurstville about 10.20am today.
He then allegedly stole the keys to his red sedan from his pocket and fled the scene.
Police found the car driving on King Georges Road in Beverly Hills.
McFadden alleged the car failed to stop and a chase began with the help of a nearby police helicopter.
The chase continued along the M5 but was stopped near Bankstown. The helicopter continued to track the driver over the next 40 minutes.
“[It was] one of the most extreme and dangerous pieces of driving I’ve seen in a long time,” McFadden said.
“He was overtaking vehicles at speed, breakdown lanes, he was crossing onto the incorrect side of the road, all of which without police vehicles around him or proximate to him.”
About 11.10am, the allegedly stolen car crashed into an Alfa Romeo on the Old Hume Highway in Camden South.
Two women inside the car, aged 60 and 84, died at the scene.
McFadden said the women were part of the extended family and offered his condolences to their loved ones.
“They must be going through the absolute most tragic set of circumstances, absolutely devastating for that family,” he said.
The 31-year-old man allegedly fled the scene on foot but was arrested at gunpoint.
He was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing and will be transferred to the Campbelltown Police Station for questioning.
Police have set up several crime scenes and the investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
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McFadden defended the officers’ actions and said they were nowhere near the
when it crashed.
“I’ve watched the footage from our aviation support aircraft. I can tell you that there were no police
around this driver,” he said.
Charges are expected to be laid tomorrow.
Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to contact police.