Major update in Daylesford crash tragedy
One month after the devastating tragedy in the regional town of Daylesford that killed five people, charges have finally been laid.
In November, a car crashed into the beer garden of The Royal Hotel where two families were having dinner.
The fatal car crash claimed the lives of three adults and two children, critically injuring others.
Now, almost six weeks on from the tragedy, the 66-year-old driver of the car has been charged.
The 66-year-old man who was driving the white BMW SUV has been charged with five counts of culpable driving causing death, two counts of negligently causing serious injury and seven counts of reckless conduct endangering life.
The man is due to face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court later on Monday.
As the investigation commenced into the incident, it was alleged that the man suffered a medical emergency moments before the crash.
The Mount Macedon local is an insulin-dependent diabetic, and allegedly required immediate treatment at the scene.
Solicitor Martin Amad, who is representing the driver, said his client returned a negative alcohol breath test after the crash, and has no previous criminal history.
"It was a terrible tragedy," Amad said in the days after the crash.
"He is deeply distressed and feels great empathy for the families and friends of the victims and wider Daylesford community."
On November 5th, Pratibha Sharma, her husband Jatin Chugh, and her daughter Anvi were enjoying the last of the weekend at the Royal Hotel in Daylesford when a white BMW SUV crashed into the beer garden.
Sharma and Chugh died at the scene, while nine-year-old Anvi was flown to hospital but did not survive her injuries and was later pronounced dead.
The family were joined by their friends, Vivek Bhatia, 38, his wife, and their two kids at the pub.
Vivek and his 11-year-old son Vihaan were both killed in the crash, while the 36-year-old woman, and a second son, aged six, were taken to hospital for their injuries.
Image credits: ABC News