North Epping crash: Elderly driver charged months after mum’s death
An 89-year-old who allegedly crashed into a North Epping cafe earlier this year has been charged with negligent driving. The crash claimed the life of mother of two Liz Albornoz.
NSW
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An 89-year-old man has been charged with a slew of offences after a fatal North Epping cafe crash earlier this year.
The elderly man allegedly accelerated into the cafe in February, hitting those inside and pinning 39-year-old mother of two Liz Albornoz.
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Paramedics were able to pull Mrs Albornoz from the cafe on the corner of Roma Street and Malton Road, however she later died in hospital from her injuries.
Mrs Albornoz was at the cafe having a coffee catch up with some other mums on her day off.
Nine others were hurt in the crash, and four were taken to hospital.
A NSW Ambulance superintendent said the scene was “frantic”.
“The scene was absolutely frantic for emergency services – there was carnage everywhere when we arrived,” Superintendent Steve Vaughan said.
Earlier this month the alleged victim’s husband Victor Simone said he would one day like to forgive the driver.
“I don’t want to feel hate, I’ve never met the driver,” he said. “My priority is to help my daughters grow, to try to continue life as normal although it can never be the same.
“The driver has asked to meet me through the police, for now I can’t — perhaps one day that will change.”
Police did not immediately charge the driver, who was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
After an investigation from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit, the driver was today charged with negligent driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm).
Originally published as North Epping crash: Elderly driver charged months after mum’s death