A 66-year-old man has been charged by the Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) in connection with a fatal collision that claimed the lives of five people.
The Mount Macedon resident, William Swale, has been charged with five counts of culpable driving causing death, two counts of negligently causing serious injury, and seven counts of reckless conduct endangering life.
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He is expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
The incident occurred at 6pm on November 5, when emergency services responded to reports of a BMW SUV mounting the curb and colliding with patrons on the front lawn of a licensed premises on Vincent Street.
The CCTV footage revealed that Mr Swale entered a restaurant opposite the pub a few minutes later and asked for a table, and then he returned to his car as there were none available.
Among the victims were a 38-year-old Tarneit man and his 11-year-old son, both of whom tragically lost their lives at the scene.
The man’s 36-year-old wife and a second six-year-old son sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, they have since been released.
Another couple, a 30-year-old Point Cook man and his 44-year-old partner, lost their lives in the collision.
Tragically, the woman’s nine-year-old daughter was initially taken to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
A 43-year-old Kyneton woman, a 38-year-old Cockatoo man, and an 11-month-old baby boy were also injured in the incident and transported to the hospital.
They have all been discharged since then.
Sergeant Melissa Seach, who leads the investigation, expressed the unit’s commitment to determining the circumstances around the collision.
“This is a deeply tragic incident that has left families devastated and the community in mourning. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Sergeant Seach said.
Mr Swale was remanded in police custody until his bail hearing on Friday.
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