Dubbo inquest examines fatal police chase that killed driver

Two police officers who participated in a pursuit that ended in a fatal crash have expressed remorse at a coronial inquest in Dubbo on August 4. The officers broke down while testifying, saying they think about the incident daily.

The inquest concerns the death of a 32‑year‑old man who, on April 20, 2024, drove his car at high speed on the wrong side of the Mitchell Highway, about 18 km west of Dubbo, and collided head‑on with a coach carrying 24 passengers. The coach driver attempted to avoid the impact, but witnesses said the car turned directly into the bus. Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce emphasized that the hearing aims to understand why events unfolded rather than assign blame.

Police testimony revealed that an officer in a police van first spotted the man exiting a driveway without a shirt, noted his erratic behavior, and shortly thereafter received a radio call about a domestic dispute in the same area, prompting the pursuit that led to the crash.