Driver charged after motorist killed in dawn crash

A driver has been charged over a fatal crash after allegedly fleeing police before smashing into another vehicle.

A driver has been charged over a fatal crash after he allegedly fled from police before smashing into another vehicle in Sydney’s west.

Officers were in a fully-marked police car when they first spotted the Holden Insignia sedan on Putland St in St Mary’s about 4am on Tuesday.

Police allege the driver accelerated towards the Great Western Hwy before officers lost sight of the sedan.

A short time later, police located the sedan which had struck a Toyota Corolla hatchback.

A driver was being pursued by police when he allegedly smashed into another vehicle. Picture: NewsWire/ Richard Dobson

The 43-year-old driver of the hatchback was declared dead at the scene.

Police allege the driver of the sedan had fled the scene on foot following the crash, but was arrested a short time later on Chapel St.

He was taken to Nepean Hospital under police guard and was arrested on Wednesday evening after being released.

The man was taken to St Marys police station where he was charged with a string of driving offences, including dangerous driving occasioning death.

He was also charged with failing to stop after a fatal crash, negligent driving occasioning death, driving in a reckless or dangerous manner, and driving while disqualified.

The man was refused bail to appear before Mt Druitt Local Court on Thursday.

The driver was the hatchback was killed in the crash. Picture: NewsWire/ Richard Dobson

A critical incident team from North Shore Police Area Command will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash after a critical incident was declared.

The deceleration is standard procedure when there is “an incident involving a NSW police officer that results in the death or serious injury of a person”.

The investigation will be subject to an independent review.

A report will also be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Originally published as Driver charged after motorist killed in dawn crash