Three die in ‘horrific’ south Sydney vehicle crash after police welfare check | Sydney

Three people died in an accident that occurred after a man trying to do a welfare check ran away from police in Sydney.

A 42-year-old man fled in a white Audi after officers were called to a welfare check at a property in Gymea Bay, south of Sydney, at 12.25am on Saturday.

A short time later, police received a report that an Audi had crashed through a concrete barrier and crashed into a blue Toyota sedan in Sans Souci, about 7 km away.

In addition to the man, the driver and passenger of the Toyota, who have not yet been officially identified, also died at the scene.

Inspector Graham Hibbs said police were called to carry out a welfare check before the crash.

“All I can really say at this stage is that we were called out for a welfare concern, which is a mental health incident,” he said. “And that’s the only detail I can provide at this stage.”

Police were unable to speak to the man before he fled. Hibbs said officers believe the Audi was traveling at a “considerable speed” when the crash occurred.

“It was a terrible scene. We feel truly sorry for the families and loved ones of all three people,” he said.

“I don’t think there were many cars on the road back then.”

After one of the cars caught fire, 20 to 40 people around tried to help.

“We are truly sorry for the families and loved ones of all three people involved in this incident,” he said.

A crime scene has been established and investigations into the accident are ongoing, while a drug and alcohol investigation is also ongoing.

A deadly 24-hour incident took place on Australian roads after a 25-year-old woman and a baby died when two cars collided near a popular holiday destination in Queensland.

In a separate accident in Queensland, two girls aged 13 and 14 were seriously injured after being struck by a car on a footpath in South Mackay.

– from AAP