Earlwood road rager defends himself in statement

A man involved in a violent road rage fight in Earlwood yesterday says he was just defending himself. In support, his employer has provided extended footage of the incident. WATCH THE ENTIRE FOOTAGE OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED

• Video captures vicious road rage brawl at Earlwood

A man at the centre of a wild road rage brawl in western Sydney yesterday says he was just acting in self defence.

Road rage captured on video at Earlwood yesterday. Picture: Twitter

Yesterday a 30-second clip of the altercation was uploaded to social media, showing two motorists fighting at the intersection of Bayview Avenue and Homer Street in Earlwood.

Truck driver Khader Elali says he was acting in self defence when a man driving a black ute confronted him.

Elali who is partially deaf says he was trying to stop the other motorist from hitting him.

“He kept saying ‘what are you going to do?’ and he wouldn’t leave me alone,” says Elali. “And then he punched me. I was acting in self defence.”

In an incident report to his employer Hunter Express, Elali states he was driving on Bayview Ave when a black ute overtook him and stuck his finger up at him.

‘I kept driving until the set of lights on the cnr of Homer and Bayview. Lights went green and the black ute stayed stationary with his hand outside the window waving in an angry manner, then I beeped my horn for him to proceed.

The deaf truck driver says he was defending himself. Picture: Twitter

‘So he jumped out and came towards me. I then jumped out. Then he punched me in the face and then I defended myself to stop him from hitting me.’

Elali states he went to Liverpool Hospital with bleeding from his ear, his hearing implant had been knocked out, he had a black swollen eye and cut elbows.

Hans Marday, Fleet Manager of Hunter Express says he is very concerned and surprised that this incident took place.

“Under no circumstances does this Company condone violence. And yet the driver involved is a long standing and much respected team member. He is one of our best, most diligent, most hard working and productive drivers in our national fleet.”

The matter is still being investigated. Picture: Twitter

Mr Marday continues his praise for his employee, “He regularly receives accolades from internal awards within our business due to his “can do” attitude, he also receives regular praise from clients due to his great positive attitude, willingness to help and enthusiasm for consistently doing more than is asked of him. He is a valued member of our team.”

Further defending his worker, Marday says,” It is for these reasons that his behaviour, which although unacceptable, is out of character. We do believe it is likely there was some provocation by the other person involved.”

NSW Police are still investigating the matter.

Hunter Express are currently conducting their own internal investigation into the incident.