Joan Harrison dies in fatal Casino crash
An elderly woman who tragically died in a fatal crash in northern NSW has now been identified. A man who was allegedly drink driving at three times the legal limit is now in custody on remand.
Lismore
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An elderly woman who tragically died in a fatal crash allegedly caused by a drink driver in northern NSW has now been identified.
Police will allege Charles John Torrens, 56, was driving at more than three times the legal blood alcohol limit when he hit and killed 73-year-old Joan Harrison.
In a statement, NSW Police said emergency services raced to Barker St in Casino at 10.45am on April 13 in response to reports two women had been hit by a car.
Police and NSW Ambulance paramedics administered CPR to Ms Harrison, who tragically later died at Gold Coast University Hospital after she was flown there in a critical and life-threatening condition.
Patricia Hogan, 74, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a serious condition.
Police documents tendered to Lismore Local Court allege Torrens’ red Toyota Camry station wagon struck a stationary vehicle, then struck Ms Hogan as she began to cross the road at a marked pedestrian crossing.
The circumstances of the impact with Ms Harrison were not further described, except that police allege Torrens was under the influence of alcohol at the time it occurred.
Torrens was arrested at the scene and subjected to breath analysis at Casino police station, which allegedly returned a result of 0.155 – more than three times the legal blood alcohol limit.
Torrens has now been charged with aggravated dangerous driving causing death, aggravated dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, causing bodily harm by misconduct, dangerous driving, negligent driving and high range drink driving.
The Mallanganee man appeared before Lismore Local Court on April 14, where he was formally refused bail to reappear on June 14.
Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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