A coroner’s inquest into the 2023 fatal collision in Daylesford that claimed the lives of five people will get underway today.
Victorian Coroner Dimitra Dubrow will oversee the inquest into the deaths of Pratibha Sharma, 44, her daughter Anvi, 9, and partner Jatin Kumar, 30, and friend Vivek Bhatia, 38, and his son Vihaan, 11, who were struck and killed when diabetic driver, William Swale, ploughed his car into a Daylesford pub beer garden on 5 November 2023.
In January, a Victorian coroner ruled Mr Swale would be compelled to give evidence at the inquest examining the tragic incident. The move followed an application by the driver, who is aged in his late 60s, to be excused from giving evidence on the ground that it may be self-incriminating.
Initially, Mr Swale was charged with multiple criminal offences over the crash, however the charges were dropped in 2024 after a Ballarat magistrate found there was not sufficient evidence for a conviction.
This week’s coronial inquest is expected to examine guidelines, education and public awareness for diabetic drivers, as well as outdoor dining and road safety.
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Tony Clark said the tragedy, which deeply shook the community and region, had left a lasting impact on all those connected to it.
“While some time has passed, we continue to remember those that died or were injured, the first responders, the many witnesses to the event, and the family and friends impacted by this tragedy,” he said.
“As there is an active legal process underway, Council does not intend to provide further comments about the inquest.”
The coronial inquest is open to members of the public to attend at the Coroners Court of Victoria, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank 3006.
