Tragedy Strikes: Fatal Crash at Victorian Pub Leaves Community Devastated

In a shocking incident that has left the community in mourning, a fatal crash occurred at the beer garden of the Royal Daylesford Hotel in Victoria. The victims of the tragic accident have now been identified, compounding the grief and sorrow felt by their loved ones and the local community.

Identifying the Victims

The victims of the crash have been named as Melbourne lawyer Pratibha Sharma, her partner Jatin, and their nine-year-old daughter Anvi. Also among the casualties were Vivek Bahtia and his 11-year-old son Vihaan. The families were enjoying their time at the pub’s beer garden, when tragedy struck.

Injured and Surviving Victims

While the loss of life is devastating, it is important to acknowledge those who survived the crash but are still battling the consequences. Bahtia’s 36-year-old wife and their other son, aged six, are currently in a stable condition in the hospital. The injured also include a 43-year-old Kyneton woman and a 38-year-old Cockatoo man, who are known to each other. The police are in the process of determining their exact relationship. Additionally, an 11-month-old boy, who was with this pair, is in a stable condition, while his 34-year-old mother escaped uninjured.

Investigation and Possible Causes

The 66-year-old driver of the BMW SUV, who caused the fatal crash, is currently receiving treatment for shock and minor injuries at the hospital. The police plan to interview him on Tuesday to gather more information about the incident. They have confirmed that the driver did not have alcohol in his system and was not previously known to law enforcement.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton stated, “All lines of inquiry are open to us on this occasion, including a medical episode. We will explore every avenue.” He further added, “I will say that the driver is not a person who is known to us. He is not a person who has prior convictions, other than some traffic offending — as in speeding tickets.”

Community Mourns and Offers Support

In the wake of this devastating tragedy, the community has come together to mourn the loss and offer support to the affected families. Over 200 community members gathered at a vigil held at Daylesford’s Victoria Park on Monday night. Prominent figures such as Victorian health minister Mary-Anne Thomas and federal infrastructure minister Catherine King were also in attendance.

The emotional crowd was urged to seek support from available services if they were struggling to cope with the loss. Many devastated mourners visited the accident site to lay flowers, teddy bears, and messages of condolences, paying their respects to the victims and their families.

To provide assistance to those struggling with the tragedy, a counseling service has been set up at the community health center.

Ongoing Investigation and Updates

As the investigation continues, updates will be provided by the authorities. The police have dismissed rumors suggesting a delay in reaching the crash scene and have emphasized their commitment to uncovering the truth behind this horrific incident.

Conclusion

The fatal crash at the Royal Daylesford Hotel’s beer garden has left the community devastated. The identification of the victims has added to the profound sadness felt by their loved ones and the wider community. As the investigation progresses, the community continues to come together to mourn, support one another, and seek answers regarding the cause of this tragic event.