A tragic early-morning collision in Newcastle has left a 55-year-old woman dead and another 28-year-old pregnant woman critically injured, resulting in the loss of her unborn baby. One of them, who had travelled from India for a family holiday, was struck after police unsuccessfully attempted to intercept a stolen vehicle driven by teenagers.
What Happened
Shortly after 2:30 am on Saturday, a highway patrol officer spotted a white Holden Commodore with fake plates and four teenage occupants at a traffic light in North Lambton. When police activated their lights and siren, the Commodore accelerated away on the wrong side of the road, reaching speeds estimated at over 80 km/h.
Moments later, the Commodore careered into a southbound Hyundai on Lake Road carrying the two Indian origin women, who were stationary and unaware of the pursuit. The impact demolished the Hyundai’s passenger side. Passers-by and emergency services rushed to the scene; the 55-year-old woman was pronounced dead, while the driver of the car was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. Doctors were unable to save her unborn child.
Key Facts
- Time: ≈ 2:30 am, June 20, 2025
- Location: Lake Road, Broadmeadow (near North Lambton)
- Victims:
- 55-year-old mother (visiting from India) – deceased
- 28-year-old daughter (pregnant) – survived, unborn child lost
- Suspects: Driver (19) – known to police; front-seat passenger – charged; two teenage girls – injured but not charged
- Investigation: Conducted by Hunter Valley Police District, under LECC oversight
Police Pursuit Under Scrutiny
Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan described the incident as “truly tragic,” noting that the police pursuit “ended in the most devastating way.” The Professional Standards Command and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission have opened independent inquiries into the decision to chase the stolen vehicle through suburban streets – a move that, while intended to protect the public, may have contributed to the deadly outcome.
After the collision, the driver (19) and front-seat passenger fled on foot. Two teenage girls (15 and 17), who remained in the back seat, were also injured but have since been released from the hospital. Police arrested the driver’s female passenger later in the morning and recovered an electronic key-reprogramming device believed used to steal the car in Ivanhoe East on June 2.
Indian-Australian Community Reacts
News of the victims’ identities has shaken Newcastle’s Indian-Australian community, which had welcomed the woman warmly during their holiday. “This was a visitor enjoying a rare visit to Australia,” said Priya Rao, Indian community leader..
“To lose both at once, and in such senseless circumstances, compounds the grief.”
Members of the diaspora have rallied around the surviving family to assist with the funeral and medical expenses. “We stand with them in this moment of unimaginable pain,” Rao said.
A crime scene remains in place, and detectives appeal for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The National Highway Patrol has temporarily suspended similar low-speed pursuits pending the outcome of the LECC review.
This horrific crash underscores the dangers of fleeing suspects and brings renewed focus to police pursuit policies and the safety of vulnerable road users. The outpouring of support from the Indian-Australian community highlights the human cost behind the headlines and the need for collective healing.
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