A tragic road accident in Sydney’s Hornsby suburb has claimed the life of 33-year-old Indian-origin woman, Samanvitha Dhareshwar, who was eight months pregnant. The fatal collision occurred on Friday, November 14, when a BMW sedan crashed into a Kia Carnival, which then lurched forward and struck Dhareshwar as she crossed the footpath with her family.

Eight-month pregnant mother fatally struck

According to local media, the Kia had slowed to allow Dhareshwar and her family to walk past the carpark exit on George Street when the BMW, allegedly driven by 19-year-old Aaron Papazoglu, rammed into it from behind.
The impact pushed the Kia into Dhareshwar, who sustained critical injuries.

Paramedics treated her at the scene before she was rushed to Westmead Hospital, where both she and her unborn child died. The scene was described as “very confronting” by Assistant Commissioner David Driver, highlighting the severity of the crash.

Teen driver arrested; bail application expected

Papazoglu, who holds a provisional driving licence from Wahroonga, was arrested early on Saturday morning.
He has been charged with:

  • Dangerous driving occasioning death
  • Negligent driving occasioning death
  • Causing the loss of a foetus – death of a pregnant woman

Local reports indicate that the accused is expected to apply for bail. The driver of the Kia Carnival, a 48-year-old man, and the BMW driver were not injured in the crash.

Dhareshwar’s family shattered by loss

Dhareshwar, originally from Karnataka, worked as an IT professional in Sydney. She lived with her husband, Vineet, also a tech professional.
The couple had recently purchased land in Grantham Farm and submitted plans to build a two-storey home — a future now cut short by the tragedy.

Friends and community members have expressed grief online, with many describing Dhareshwar as warm, cheerful and excitedly preparing for the arrival of her second child.

Police investigation underway

NSW Police said emergency services were alerted shortly after 8 pm, following reports that a pedestrian had been struck.
Their statement confirmed the woman’s critical condition upon arrival at the hospital, where she and the baby could not be saved.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness statements to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the crash.