A man in his late 40s was killed in a crash at St Marys on Tuesday morning, with an independent review launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The crash happened at about 4am, throwing the morning peak into chaos with the Great Western Highway closed in both directions at Glossop Street for several hours.
In the minutes before the crash, two police officers in a fully-marked police vehicle saw a dark-grey Holden Insignia sedan stopped on Mamre Road at St Marys.
Police had stopped near the sedan when the driver alleged accelerated towards the Great Western Highway, where police lost sight of the vehicle.
Police followed the car, but were not in pursuit of it, and found the sedan had hit a silver Toyota Corolla hatchback.
The driver of the sedan allegedly fled the scene on foot.
The driver of the hatchback, believed to be aged 49 and heading to work, died at the scene. His body remained in the car for several hours on Tuesday morning while investigations took place.
A 43-year-old man, alleged to be the driver of the sedan, was arrested a short time after the accident on Chapel Street. It is understood he was located in a backyard where it is alleged he was attempting to steal clothes.
He was taken to Nepean Hospital under police guard for mandatory testing.
Police confirmed on Tuesday that the man was known to them, and his licence had been suspended prior to the crash.
A crime scene was established and given the police involvement, a critical incident team from North Shore Police Area Command is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation is also subject to an independent review.
Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood said it was a devastating situation, with a man leaving for work on Tuesday never to return home.
“You talk about tragedy, this is a tragedy. Make no mistake about it,” he said.
Anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV vision or information about the incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Great Western Highway remains closed in both directions at St Marys, between Glossop Street and Sydney Street.
Diversions are in place and there is heavy traffic on surrounding roads.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.