Cops blitz Steggles drivers over horror truck crash that killed mum
THE truck driver who allegedly hit a northern beaches grandmother disposed of her clothing caught in his truck after he drove from the scene on Friday.
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THE truck driver who allegedly hit a northern beaches grandmother disposed of her clothing caught in his truck after he drove from the scene.
Jo-Ann Thwaites, 60, was struck by two trucks at the intersection of Old Pittwater Rd and Condamine St, near Warringah Mall, in Brookvale, on Friday morning.
Police today said they will allege after the fatal collision the first truck, which didn’t stop, continued its daily run, stopping at IGA in Allambie Heights.
This comes as police conducted on surprise operation on the headquarters of the company the truck belongs to — Baiada Poultry in Girraween — checking the heavy vehicles for defects and testing the drivers for drugs and alcohol.
They are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the driver allegedly disposing of clothing or the truck at Allambie Heights.
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Tragically, Ms Thwaites had been offered a lift home after doing some shopping but had decided to walk instead.
A widowed grandmother, she had been informed only that day she was to become a grandmother for the second time.
This morning, Highway and Traffic Patrol officers conducted a blitz at Baiada Poultry headquarters, where the truck was seized.
Baiada owns popular brands Steggles and Lilydale.
During the blitz at Baiada, police found 10 of 15 heavy trucks were defective.
Most concerning was one truck which had its speed limitation tampered with so it could travel above 100km/h.
Drivers were breath tested and drug swabbed along with their log books being reviewed as the trucks were checked for defects when they entered the large facility.
When The Daily Telegraph asked Baiada about the police operation following the fatal accident, the company responded with a statement:
“We were extremely saddened to hear of this tragic incident,” the statement read.
“Our staff and management send their deepest condolences to Ms Thwaites’ family. Our thoughts are with them.
“We are doing everything we can to help police with their inquiry and will continue to provide any assistance they may require.”
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