Death of man in St Marys crash triggers critical incident probe

“An innocent man” has been killed on his way to work after his car was allegedly hit by a disqualified driver speeding away from police in Sydney’s west.

The scene on the Great Western Highway at St Marys. Picture: Richard Dobson

“An innocent man” has been killed on his way to work after his car was allegedly hit by a disqualified driver speeding away from police in Sydney’s west.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood described Tuesday morning’s incident as “a tragedy beyond belief” when he addressed media outside St Marys Police Station.

About 4am, two officers in a marked police car claim to have spotted a dark grey Holden sedan “acting suspiciously” while stopped on Mamre Rd in St Mary’s.

The driver allegedly accelerated away towards the Great Western Hwy when he saw police.

Officers temporarily lost sight of the sedan but followed it and eventually found it had crashed into a Toyota Corolla.

Crash investigators at the scene in St Marys. Picture: Richard Dobson

The 49-year-old male driver of the Corolla died at the scene, while the sedan driver allegedly fled on foot.

A 43-year-old man alleged to have been the sedan driver was arrested nearby a short time later.

A man was killed in the collision. Picture: Richard Dobson

He has been taken to Nepean Hospital under police guard and is yet to be charged.

At a press conference later on Tuesday morning, Assistant Commissioner Wood told reporters the sedan driver was known to police but would not elaborate on how.

He also said the reason the man had allegedly attempted to flee police would form part of the investigation.

Assistant Commissioner Wood said the deceased man, who is yet to be formally identified, had been on his way to work.

Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood speaks on Tuesday. Picture: Richard Dobson

He described the crash as “a tragedy beyond belief”, saying the 49-year-old was “well-known and liked in the community”.

“You have an innocent 49-year-old male going to work,” Assistant Commissioner Wood said.

“He doesn’t get to work. He doesn’t go home. His family don’t get to see him.

“So you talk about tragedies ... for that poor man and his family and friends, their life has changed from this incident.”

A crime scene has been established and a critical incident team is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A critical incident review is underway. Picture: Richard Dobson

The investigation will also undergo an independent review.

Meanwhile, traffic delays have surged across the city’s west due to ongoing road closures.

The Great Western Highway is currently shut in both directions between Glossop and Sydney streets, with light vehicles being diverted through local streets.

Heavy vehicles are advised to use Mamre Rd, the M4, and the M7.

Earlier in the morning, a separate multi-vehicle crash on the M4 at Prospect added to the traffic chaos.

Traffic had built up on the M4 Motorway after a crash on the Great Western Highway. Picture: Live Traffic

“Two of three westbound lanes are closed on the M4 approaching the Prospect Highway due to a multi-vehicle crash,” Live Traffic NSW warned.

“Expect delays, traffic is building. Take care, people are on the road.”

Anyone with dashcam footage or information about the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website.

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