September 2, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Case Overview
A 24-year-old man has been charged over a fatal crash in Newcastle that killed two international students on Saturday night, August 30, 2025. At approximately 11:15 pm, a car travelling along Maitland Road at Mayfield East left the roadway, struck a power pole, and burst into flames. Two passengers, aged 20 and 21, suffered critical burns and later died in hospital.

The driver and a 19-year-old back-seat passenger were assisted from the wreckage by bystanders and taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries. The victims, along with the driver and surviving passengers, were international students from Bangladesh studying at the University of Newcastle.

“Our university community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two of our students over the weekend.” — Belinda Tynan, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Newcastle

Court Details

  • Hearing Date: Scheduled for Wednesday, 3 September 2025
  • Court: Newcastle Local Court, New South Wales
  • Defendant: 24-year-old male driver (name withheld)
  • Status: Refused bail

Charges

  • Two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death
  • Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm
  • Negligent driving occasioning death
  • Other related driving offences (total of eight charges)

Background to Offence

  • At approximately 11:15 pm on Saturday, August 30, the vehicle struck a power pole on Maitland Road, Mayfield East, and caught fire.
  • The 24-year-old driver and a 19-year-old passenger escaped with minor injuries, assisted by passers-by.
  • Two other passengers, aged 20 and 21, suffered critical burns and died shortly afterwards in hospital.
  • All four occupants, including the deceased, were Bangladeshi nationals studying at the University of Newcastle.

Victim Impact
The University of Newcastle confirmed that the deceased were international students, describing the deaths as a “tragic loss.” The university extended condolences to their families in Bangladesh and offered support services to staff and students grieving the loss of their classmates.

Community Impact
The crash has shocked both the Bangladeshi community and the wider Newcastle region. The deaths highlight ongoing concerns about dangerous driving in urban areas. Vigils and support efforts have been organised within the university community.

Next Steps
The driver remains in custody and is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, 3 September 2025. The case will proceed on multiple charges including dangerous and negligent driving occasioning death.