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Teen Driver Charged Over Hornsby Crash That Killed Pregnant Pedestrian Samanvitha Dhareshwar

The 19-year-old BMW driver remains in custody pending video analysis and the preparation of a prosecution brief.

Overview

  • Police identified the victim as 33-year-old Samanvitha Dhareshwar, who was eight months pregnant and walking with her husband and three-year-old son near Hornsby station on Friday night.
  • Investigators say a Kia slowed to let the family cross when a BMW allegedly rear-ended it, pushing the Kia forward and striking Dhareshwar at the car park entrance.
  • Aaron Papazoglu, 19, was arrested and charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and causing the loss of a foetus under NSW provisions.
  • Magistrate Ray Plibersek refused bail, calling the case tragic and noting its seriousness for both families, with a brief of evidence reported due by January 18.
  • Both drivers underwent mandatory hospital testing as police review CCTV and dashcam footage; reports note speeding has been alleged, though prosecutors have not detailed supporting evidence.