The aftermath of the tragic crash at Whitlam on 16 October 2022. Photo: ACT Policing.
The ACT coroner says the deaths of three tourists who died in a fatal crash while travelling to a hospital in Canberra three years ago were an “unspeakable tragedy”.
The devastating incident on 16 October 2022 took the lives of three members of one family from Bangladesh and left a fourth with a brain injury.
Anwar Jahid was driving the red Toyota Yaris that contained his parents, Mohammad Shahidullah and Sultana Razia, as well as his brother, Mohammad Sarowar Kawsir Rony.
He was speeding along John Gorton Drive in Whitlam when he crashed head-on into a Toyota HiAce.
His parents and brother died at the scene from their injuries, and while Mr Jahid survived, he was left with a traumatic brain injury and multiple broken bones.
The driver of the HiAce suffered a broken arm, resulting in permanent scars.
The police investigation found Mr Shahidullah had suffered a medical emergency associated with his diabetes shortly before the crash.
Police also found the Yaris was travelling at 150 km/h in a 60 km/h zone five seconds before its airbag was deployed.
“In a panic, and with the intention of obtaining medical help for Mr Shahidullah, Mr Jahid drove the Yaris at speeds that ultimately led to him losing control of the vehicle and crashing into the HiAce,” Coroner Ken Archer recently said at the end of an inquest into the matter.
Mr Shahidullah, Ms Razia, and Mr Rony arrived in Australia from Bangladesh in September 2022 on tourist visas to visit Mr Jahid and his wife, who are permanent residents.
Police at the scene of the accident at Coppins Crossing Road on 16 October 2022. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
Shortly before the crash, witnesses saw the family had stopped the car on the road and said they seemed “very panicked”.
Mr Jahid told them, “ambulance”, and “hospital”, so a witness pointed in the direction of Calvary Hospital. The witness also offered to lead them to the hospital, but before they could, Mr Jahid drove off.
Coroner Archer said both cars sustained major damage in the head-on crash.
“[The driver of the HiAce] was completely without blame for the collision. There was nothing he could have done to avoid the oncoming car,” he said.
Mr Jahid didn’t leave hospital until July 2023.
“He suffers permanent disabilities as a result of the accident, including a reduction in cognitive capacity and permanent compromise of his mobility,” Coroner Archer said.
“Collectively, the injuries will require lifetime disability supports.”
He said Mr Jahid’s driving gave rise to the possibility that he committed offences, and the deaths of his family members were referred to the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). But in 2024, police were told no charges would be brought against him.
Coroner Archer said it was not open for the court to assess the DPP’s reasons for deciding not to bring charges, but Mr Shahidullah’s medical episode at the time of the crash must have been a factor.
Mr Jahid was allowed to make submissions on the coroner’s provisional findings, but said he had no independent recollection of the crash nor of the events immediately before it.
“I do not find a matter of public safety arises from the deaths,” the coroner said.
“I express my condolences to the family of the deceased. The deaths were an unspeakable tragedy.”
Do the libs really want a public battle over being expected to turn up to the office? I thought they… View