A 19-year-old probationary driver has been charged over a tragic incident in Sydney that claimed the life of a pregnant mother and her unborn child, casting a pall over the local community.
A Fatal Collision on a Friday Night
Aaron Papazoglu, aged 19, is facing serious charges following the death of Samanvitha Dhareshwar, 33, who was eight months pregnant. The alleged crash occurred around 8pm on Friday on George Street, Hornsby, located on Sydney's north shore.
Ms Dhareshwar was walking with her husband, Vineeth Rao Nandalike, and their three-year-old son when they were struck. Police reports indicate that the family was attempting to cross the road at the entrance to the Hornsby train station car park, just 350 metres from their home.
The prosecution alleges that Papazoglu, driving a white BMW, proceeded through an orange traffic light and collided with the rear of a Kia. This impact allegedly pushed the Kia into the family. The driver of the Kia had reportedly stopped to give way to the pedestrians.
Lives Shattered and Dreams Unfulfilled
The Dhareshwar family's life has been devastatingly altered. Instead of preparing for the arrival of their new baby, they are now planning a double funeral. The couple had been building their dream home in Grantham Farm, with building approval granted just two months ago.
They had also been considering moving to a larger apartment within their Hornsby building to accommodate relatives visiting from India. Described as working in the IT industry, the couple were said to be comfortable and looking forward to their future.
Ms Dhareshwar was treated at the scene for catastrophic injuries before being rushed to Westmead Hospital, where she and her unborn child tragically died.
The Accused Driver and His 'Dream Car'
As the victim's family grieves, details have surfaced about the teenage driver. Aaron Papazoglu lives with his mother and older brother in Wahroonga. He graduated from a local high school last year and is currently studying business at Macquarie University while working in after-school care.
Neighbours described Papazoglu as a polite young man who had worked hard to save for his 'dream car', a 2014 BMW 420i. He had owned the vehicle for approximately six months and was known to meticulously maintain it.
Following the crash, Papazoglu was taken to hospital for mandatory testing before being released. After police reviewed dashcam footage, they arrested him at his home in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Legal Proceedings and Community Mourning
Papazoglu has been charged with three offences, including dangerous driving occasioning death and causing the loss of a foetus. His bail was formally rejected during an appearance at Parramatta Local Court on Sunday.
His lawyer, Patrick Schmidt, argued that his client had accelerated through an amber light and expected the Kia to have completed its turn. He emphasised that Papazoglu has no prior criminal or driving offences, was not under the influence, and was not street racing.
However, Prosecutor Candice Chapman contended that it was not a momentary lapse, alleging Papazoglu had chosen to proceed through the light at excessive speed.
The community has responded with an outpouring of grief. A makeshift memorial with dozens of bouquets has appeared at the crash site. One poignant card, left by a mother and daughter, expressed sorrow for the victims' family and sympathy for the accused driver, acknowledging that his life, too, has been irrevocably changed.
Papazoglu is expected to make another bail application on Tuesday.
