Stabbing victim, pizza shop owner Sonmez Alagoz, taken to hospital 30km away instead of nearby Nepean Hospital

Questions have been raised about why a pizza store owner allegedly murdered was taken to a hospital 30km away, when another was just 600m down the road.

As the western Sydney community comes to terms with the alleged murder of a well-loved pizza shop owner, questions have been raised about why the man was not taken to a major hospital only metres away.

Sonmez Alagoz, 58, was found with a stab wound to his chest near The Pizza Stop in Kingswood before 10.30pm on Tuesday.

Despite Nepean Hospital being within 600m of the scene, Mr Alagoz was transported to Westmead Hospital, more than 30km away. He died from his injuries shortly after 12.30am on Wednesday.

The local father was treated by a NSW Ambulance doctor and critical care emergency paramedics at the scene, and provided constant care throughout the trip to Westmead.

When asked about why Mr Alagoz was not taken to the trauma unit at Nepean Hospital, a NSW Health spokesperson said it was standard practice to transport patients to the best facility for their condition.

Pizza shop owner Sonmez Alagoz died after being stabbed at The Pizza Stop, near Kingswood train station. Picture: Supplied

In this case, Westmead Hospital could provide higher levels of trauma care to treat Mr Alagoz’ serious injuries.

“The patient was transported to Westmead Hospital, a major trauma centre, with a NSW Ambulance medical team onboard, which included a doctor and a critical care Paramedic,” the spokesperson said.

“Patients are always referred to the most appropriate health facility based on multiple considerations.

Police swarmed the Great Western Hwy

at Kingswood on Wednesday morning.

“The NSW public health system is highly integrated and local health districts work with

NSW Ambulance on a daily basis to ensure the sickest patients are prioritised and

transferred to the most appropriate facility as quickly as possible.”

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified, has been charged with murder.

He did not appear or make a bail application when his matter was heard in Parramatta Children’s Court on Thursday.

Six other teenagers were arrested and questioned, but released without charge, pending further inquiries.

Nepean Police Area Commander Detective Superintendent Trent King said Mr Alagoz was about to close up for the night before tragedy struck.

“This was a man who was going about running his business within the local area and certainly didn’t deserve what occurred,” he said.

Inquiries under Strike Force Narrira remain ongoing.