The driver, identified by major media as Awer Dau, a 33-year-old learner driver from Yarraville, was arrested by an off-duty police officer assisted by the public, according to Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy. Dau has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and culpable driving causing death, according to multiple reports. He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court via videolink and was remanded in custody until September 15. Major media reports indicate Dau was on bail at the time of the incident, though police have not confirmed his bail status, creating uncertainty about whether he was legally free at the time, which could impact public perception of bail policies and police oversight.
One pedestrian, a 20-year-old man from Keysborough, died at the scene. Another pedestrian, also in his 20s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening or significant lower limb injuries. Research indicates a third person in the group was not struck but was taken to hospital for shock, and the trio had been at the Supanova Comic Con and Gaming event. The identity of the deceased pedestrian is pending formal identification.
I heard a screech and saw the car mount the kerb at an erratic speed, hit a couple of people, do a U-turn, and stall.
The car, described as a grey Toyota, was travelling north when it crossed lanes and mounted the footpath, drove between two trees, hitting the pedestrians, before travelling an extra 120 metres, according to research. There is a discrepancy in the car model, with some reports calling it a Toyota Echo, suggesting possible confusion in early reporting or witness accounts that may affect the investigation's details. Research also indicates the car was believed to be a hire car, though this has not been confirmed by authorities.
Police are investigating the incident, including whether speed, alcohol, or drugs were involved. Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy said it was unclear whether the incident was intentional, leaving the driver's motive or state of mind at the time unknown. Investigations are ongoing but officers have arrested a man, who is set to be interviewed, according to research. Victoria Police are calling on anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
I attempted to perform a citizen's arrest on the driver.
According to major media, Dau fled the Sudanese civil war as a child, lived in a refugee camp in Kenya, and moved to Australia at age ten. He had a background in sports, education, and manual labor, and faced personal challenges including a brother's death and a leg injury. This personal history adds context to the driver's profile as the legal proceedings unfold.
Research indicates the driver is well known to police and facing some bail concerns, though his bail status has not been confirmed by police. The contradiction between media reports of him being on bail and police non-confirmation highlights ongoing inquiries into his legal standing prior to the crash. These factors will likely be scrutinized in court as the case progresses.
The driver was erratic.
A witness named Tom attempted to perform a citizen's arrest on the driver. According to Daily Mail - News, Tom described hearing a screech and seeing the car mount the kerb at an erratic speed, hit a couple of people, do a U-turn, and stall. According to www.9news.com.au, Tom described the driver as erratic, and Daily Mail - News reported he attempted a citizen's arrest, illustrating the immediate public response to the chaotic scene.
Supanova organisers announced a minute's silence would be held at the event on Sunday. In an official statement, they said they were deeply saddened and distressed by the incident and vowed to continue the weekend-long convention as planned, including a minute's silence at 10am to honour the victims. This response aims to balance respect for the victims with the event's scheduled programming.
The driver remains under police guard in hospital, according to major media. His current condition and custody status are part of the ongoing police investigation, which will determine the next steps in his legal process. This detail underscores the seriousness of the incident and the precautions taken by authorities.
Key unknowns in the investigation include whether the incident was intentional or accidental, the exact cause of the crash including whether speed, alcohol, or drugs were factors, and whether the car was a hire car as reported by one source. These unresolved questions highlight the complexity of the case as police continue their work to piece together the events leading to the fatal crash.