Innocent Man Killed in Crash Involving Car Followed by Police on Great Western Highway – October 15, 2024

What happened

Incident Overview

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, a fatal two-vehicle collision occurred on the Great Western Highway at St Marys in Western Sydney at approximately 4:00 AM. A 49-year-old man driving a silver Toyota Corolla hatchback was killed when his vehicle was struck by a Holden Insignia sedan that was being followed by NSW Police.

The Holden had been sighted acting suspiciously on Mamre Road before police began following it. The vehicle accelerated away and turned onto the Great Western Highway, where police briefly lost sight of it before activating lights and sirens. The Holden then collided with the Toyota Corolla. The driver of the Holden fled the scene on foot and was later apprehended at a nearby residence.

Location and Time

The collision occurred on the Great Western Highway at St Marys, between Glossop Street and Sydney Street, at approximately 4:00 AM on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Vehicles Involved

Vehicle 1

• Make/Model: Silver Toyota Corolla hatchback
• Driver: 49-year-old male, on his way to work (deceased at scene)

Vehicle 2

• Make/Model: Holden Insignia sedan
• Driver: 43-year-old male (fled scene on foot, later apprehended)

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• 49-year-old male driver of the Toyota Corolla (deceased at scene)

Injuries

• None reported.

Community Impact

The Great Western Highway was closed in both directions at St Marys between Glossop Street and Sydney Street while emergency services attended and a crime scene was established. A full investigation into the circumstances of the crash, including the speed of the Holden and the actions of police officers involved, is underway.

Emergency Response

NSW Police and emergency services attended the scene at St Marys. A crime scene was established on the Great Western Highway, and the roadway was closed in both directions between Glossop Street and Sydney Street to allow for investigation and scene management.

Investigation

NSW Police are leading the investigation into the fatal collision. The 43-year-old driver of the Holden Insignia was apprehended at a nearby residence, where he was allegedly attempting to steal clothes from a clothesline. He was taken to Nepean Hospital for mandatory testing and is known to police.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash, including the speed of the Holden and the actions of the police officers involved during the brief follow of the vehicle. Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased man and acknowledged the devastating impact of the incident.

Appeal for Information

NSW Police are appealing for any witnesses or persons with information about the collision on the Great Western Highway at St Marys on October 15, 2024, to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.