November 5th 2024.
A poignant memorial service was held today in Victoria to honor the tragic one-year anniversary of the Daylesford crash. The devastating incident, which claimed the lives of five individuals, left the community reeling with grief and sorrow. As the somber ceremony took place, dozens of people came together to offer support and comfort to one another, their hearts heavy with the weight of loss. The atmosphere was filled with flowers and tears, a reflection of the deep impact this tragedy has had on all those involved.
The crash, which occurred outside the Royal Daylesford Hotel last year, took the lives of Pratibha Sharma, her daughter Anvi, her partner Jatin Kumar, their friend Vivek Bhatia, and his son Vihaan. The five individuals were enjoying a meal when a white BMW SUV plowed into them, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Pratibha's brother, Vikas, shared that their families are still struggling to come to terms with the loss, but they are grateful for the unwavering support shown by the Daylesford community during this difficult time. He expressed, "We are suffering, we lost five people, but thanks to the Daylesford community, they support us like a family member."
The emotional service was also attended by emergency services personnel, who offered their condolences to the grieving family. Glenn Webster, the captain of Daylesford Country Fire Authority, recalled the harrowing scene of chaos and destruction that he witnessed at the crash site. He shared, "I remember the scene of utter chaos and destruction. I don't want them to wonder what it was like for their loved ones. I want them to know they were with another human being who was caring for them, looking after them."
The driver of the BMW, William Swale, suffered a diabetic episode at the time of the crash. However, all charges against the 67-year-old were dropped in September. After reviewing the case, prosecutors decided not to press any criminal charges. This decision has left the families of the victims feeling that justice has not been served. They are now considering a civil suit to seek closure and accountability for their loved ones' tragic deaths.
As the community continues to heal and come to terms with this tragic event, the 9NEWS app offers a way to stay updated on the latest news, sports, politics, and weather. With notifications sent straight to your smartphone, you can stay informed and connected during these trying times. The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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