The government of New South Wales (NSW) is waiting for the results of an investigation into a “rare” fatal multi-vehicle collision on the Sydney Harbour Bridge before considering a review of safety measures.
The collision occurred in the early afternoon on Oct. 17, resulting in the death of two men, injuries to a pregnant woman, and significant traffic congestion throughout the city.
Police reported that bridge security cameras captured a northbound vehicle crossing into southbound lanes around 1:40 pm, leading to a series of collisions involving three cars and a bus.
Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has urged the government to assess the safety of the bridge and potentially install a center divider following the tragic incident.
“I would expect the government to carefully evaluate the necessity of a divider in that location,” he stated on Oct. 18. “Prior to any action being taken, a thorough safety-risk assessment must be conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
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When questioned about the installation of a physical barrier between oncoming vehicles, NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen referred to the bridge’s contra-flow measures, which adjust lanes to manage traffic flow at different times of the day.
“This is an extremely tragic and uncommon incident,” she commented. “The priority now is to allow the investigators to conduct their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding this tragic crash.”
Haylen refrained from discussing the necessity of a center divider and emphasized the importance of drivers remaining vigilant and avoiding fatigue, as well as refraining from using mobile phones, alcohol, and drugs.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the vehicle crossing onto the wrong side of the road, resulting in the deaths of both its driver and the driver of the vehicle it collided with.
A 51-year-old man operating a Hyundai i30 and a 44-year-old man driving a white Hyundai accent received medical attention from paramedics but succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Police have requested additional dashcam footage from witnesses of the incident.
Acting Superintendent Clayton McDonald noted the rarity of such a severe crash occurring on the Harbour Bridge given the high volume of daily traffic it accommodates.
He mentioned that police and Transport for NSW will review the incident, and any recommendations from a coroner will be taken into account.
Although no arrests have been made in connection with the crash, a motorcyclist was apprehended after allegedly maneuvering through halted traffic and entering the restricted crash site.
The motorcyclist, Ali Al-Robay, was denied bail in Downing Centre Local Court on Oct. 18 due to his concerning traffic history, including past license suspensions, non-compliance with restrictions, and involvement in a police pursuit.
“I acknowledge that he may not have been aware that the traffic congestion was due to a tragic fatality on the bridge shortly before,” Magistrate Clare Farnan stated.
Al-Robay remains in custody pending another court appearance next week.
Of the 12 charges he faces, nine are related to minor offenses, while Al-Robay’s lawyer, George Thomas, indicated a potential defense against charges of reckless driving and assaulting law enforcement officers.
During an interview with police, Al-Robay expressed remorse and recognized the seriousness of his actions.
