‘Unlicensed driver’ lit cigarette after crash killed schoolboy
Unlicensed driver Rabieh Abdulrahman lit a cigarette after his car ploughed into a 12-year-old boy in a school zone on Friday.
St George Shire Standard
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Unlicensed driver Rabieh Abdulrahman lit a cigarette after his car ploughed into a 12-year-old boy in a school zone on Friday.
Later the 36-year-old was captured sticking both his middle fingers of his handcuffed hands up while police surrounded him.
A Sydney Technical High School year 7 student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was struck by Abdulrahman’s white Toyota Corolla at 8.40am at the corner of Lily St and Forest Rd outside Hurstville Public School.
Harrowing footage taken by a security camera at a nearby business shows the boy crossing the street when he is collected by the sedan which came to rest on the school’s fence with the teen trapped underneath.
Abdulrahman has now been charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving causing death and driving unlicensed.
Abas Nazari had just started work as a painter at a home nearby when he heard the crash. “After about two seconds I heard the screaming,” he said.
Mr Nazari said the driver allegedly made no attempt to help after the sickening impact.
“The driver didn’t say anything, he just got out and started smoking — he didn’t try to help,” Mr Nazari said.
St George Acting Superintendent Chief Inspector Craig James said students, parents, teachers, passers-by and an off-duty paramedic tried desperately to save the boy’s life — but he was pronounced dead at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
“It was school drop off time, there were a number of kids being dropped off at school, teachers that ran out to the scene, the general public — this is absolutely awful for them,” Chief Inspector James said.
“As a parent myself I can only imagine what his family is going through.”
Almost 1200 students attend Hurstville Public School, where the car ploughed through the front fence during the 40km/h school zone period.
Kogarah state Labor MP Chris Minns delivered a message on behalf of Sydney Technical High School.
“Students and staff have been provided with counselling to support them and also have contact numbers so that they can access help over the weekend or later if needed,” Mr Minns posted on Facebook.
Education Department Secretary Mark Scott thanked those who tried to help.
“Thanks to all working tirelessly to support school communities after this morning’s terrible accident. So shocking and devastating for students, parents and teachers at this sudden, tragic loss,” he said.
The Department of Education said it would also provide support to Hurstville Public School, where the boy graduated from last year.
“The student was a much loved member of each school community,” a spokesman said.
“The school community’s thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the student’s family and friends.”
