Tragedy Strikes: Victims of Fatal Pub Crash in Daylesford, Victoria Identified

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Tragedy Strikes as BMW SUV Ploughs into Pubgoers in Daylesford, Victoria

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, five individuals lost their lives when a BMW SUV crashed into a crowded beer garden at the Royal Daylesford Hotel in Daylesford, Victoria. Among the victims were two children, whose lives were tragically cut short on Sunday evening.

The identities of the victims have been revealed, shedding light on the devastating impact this incident has had on two close-knit families. One family, comprised of Tarneit father Vivek Bhatia, 38, and his eldest son, was struck by the vehicle, leading to their untimely demise. Vivek’s wife, Ruchi Bhatia, 36, and their six-year-old son were also injured in the crash but are currently recovering in hospital. The wider family, friends of the Bhatias, expressed their profound devastation at the loss.

The second family affected by this tragedy includes 44-year-old mother Pratibha Sharma, her 11-year-old daughter Anvi, and her partner Jatin Chugh. All three individuals lost their lives in the horrifying crash. Pratibha, a loving mother who had previously run for state parliament and local council, is being remembered by friends and family as a remarkable woman. Preet Singh, a close family friend, expressed the profound shock and sorrow that has enveloped the community in the past 48 hours.

It has been revealed that the two families were enjoying a holiday weekend together, having been friends for over a decade. The incident has deeply affected the Indian community, to which both families belonged.

The news of this tragic event has prompted an outpouring of tributes throughout the region. A vigil was held overnight in the town of Daylesford, where hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects. The floral tributes left behind serve as a poignant reminder of the lives lost on that fateful evening.

In addition to the fatalities, a third group of individuals sustained injuries. Among them are two individuals in their 30s and an 11-month-old baby, whose mother miraculously escaped unharmed.

As investigations into the crash continue, the 66-year-old driver of the BMW remains in police custody at Ballarat Hospital. Authorities are working tirelessly to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident. Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has acknowledged the immense challenges faced by first responders in the aftermath of such a confronting and chaotic scene. Despite their training, the sheer distress and devastation witnessed in this incident were unparalleled.

This tragedy has left the community of Daylesford and the wider region in a state of profound grief. The loss of innocent lives has reminded us of the fragility of existence and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. As the investigation unfolds, the community will unite to support the affected families and seek solace in their shared sorrow..