NSW police lay charges after child dies in Lurnea car crash

Two men have been charged following an investigation into a fatal collision in Lurnea that killed an 11-month-old child earlier this year.

About 5.50pm on Monday 25 February 2019, emergency services were called to the intersection of Clingan and Compton Avenues after reports a BMW 320i and a Mercedes CLK500 had crashed, causing the front driver’s airbag in the BMW to deploy.

A passenger in the BMW, an 11-month-old boy, was airlifted to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with critical injuries, but he died on Tuesday 26 February 2019.

The driver of the BMW, a 31-year-old man, and the driver of the Mercedes, a 32-year-old man, both escaped injury and were taken to Liverpool Hospital where they underwent mandatory testing.

Officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit commenced inquiries into the events leading up to the crash, including determining where the child was seated when the airbag was deployed.

It is alleged that the driver of the BMW had the 11-month-year old on his lap whilst driving.

Following investigations both drivers were charged with a number of offences.

The 31-year-old was charged with the following:

  • Manslaughter by criminal negligence
  • Dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous
  • Negligent driving (occasioning death)
  • Drive with a child not restrained as prescribed
  • Drive motor vehicle with person or animal in lap
  • Not comply P2 licence condition not display P plates

He was refused bail on unrelated matters and issued a future court attendance. He will appear at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 6 November 2019.

The 32-year-old was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous and negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm).

He was issued a future court attendance notice to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 16 October 2019.

Police remind drivers that it is their responsibility to ensure that all passengers are properly restrained in a seatbelt or approved child restraint while driving.

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