The driver of a car that crashed in Monterey on Friday night, killing two children, has been charged over the horror smash, and will face a bedside court hearing on Sunday.
The 33-year-old driver, from Beverly Hills, has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, and one count of causing bodily harm by misconduct.
The two boys, aged nine and 10, were passengers in the Subaru Impreza that crashed into a tree on The Grand Parade in Monterey, near Kogarah in Sydney’s south, just before 10pm on Friday night.
The boys were taken to Sydney’s Children’s hospital, but died overnight.
Another passenger, a nine-year-old girl, was taken to Sydney Children’s hospital with minor injuries.
The driver, who sustained minor injuries, was charged by police at about 4pm Saturday. Police will allege he lost control of the southbound vehicle and crossed to the wrong side of the road before crashing.
Police had earlier said they were investigating street racing as a potential factor in causing the single vehicle accident.
Detective Inspector Jason Hogan said that while all lines of inquiry were open, street racing was being considered as part of the investigation: in particular police are looking to identify a “grey sedan” travelling near the crash.
“At this stage police will be looking at all lines of inquiry and that will be one of them.
“We will be seeking the assistance of members of the public to identify a grey sedan that was travelling in lane one around the time of the collision.
“We would like to speak to the driver of the silver vehicle to establish what they saw and any actions that may or may not have been undertaken.”
A “significant” line of inquiry will also be the speed the car was travelling, which Hogan said appeared to be a “contributing factor”.
Hogan added that police have remained in contact with the families of the children, to “ensure their ongoing welfare and that they are kept abreast of our investigation, as it unfolds”.
A witness told the ABC that had it not been for the tree, the car would have crashed into his house.
“I heard a loud bang and ran outside, there were helpers at the scene. We tried to get to the right side of the car, pulled off the door and the girl came out crying.
“Unfortunately, on the other side, the car was jammed because of the impact.
“I was scared for my life,” he said. “If it wasn’t for that tree, the car would have been in my house and my neighbour’s house. But unfortunately what happened was pretty bad.”
Police have urged anyone with dashcam, CCTV footage, or information about the incident to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
