December 6, 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.

Incident Overview
A young unlicensed driver who caused a single-vehicle crash that killed three of his friends near Tarago in July 2024 has faced a sentencing hearing in the Goulburn District Court. The court heard deeply emotional victim impact statements describing the profound grief experienced by the families of the three young people who died. The driver has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death and driving with a suspended licence. He will be sentenced on Monday.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: July 2024 (exact date not provided)
  • Update Date: Friday, 5 December 2025
  • Location: Intersection of Bungendore Road & Collector Road, near Tarago, NSW

Vehicles Involved

  • Single vehicle (make/model not specified) — left the road after the driver lost control

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • 18-year-old woman — deceased at the scene.
    • 21-year-old woman — deceased at the scene.
    • 20-year-old man — deceased at the scene.
  • Other Injuries:
    • Driver — non-life-threatening injuries; survived the crash.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended the crash site and confirmed the deaths of the three passengers.
  • The driver was transported for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Police secured the scene for crash reconstruction.

Police Investigation
The crash investigation confirmed the driver was unlicensed and had drugs in his system at the time of the collision.

  • The driver pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death and driving with a suspended licence.
  • The court heard he was travelling within or close to the speed limit.
  • Defence argued fatigue, undiagnosed ADHD, and trauma contributed to the crash.
  • The prosecution highlighted issues regarding the sincerity and uniformity of the driver’s written remorse letters.

Community Impact
The deaths of the three young victims have had a devastating impact on their families and the Shoalhaven community. Victim impact statements described shattered futures, profound grief, and lasting trauma. Family members expressed heartbreak at being unable to view their loved one’s body due to the extent of the injuries. The court proceedings also triggered significant emotional distress for the victim families and the wider community.

Appeal for Information
The police investigation into the crash has concluded, and the matter is now before the courts. No further appeals for public information have been issued.

  • Crime Stoppers NSW: Call 1800 333 000 or submit information online if you have historical information relevant to the case.