Entire town in mourning as Daylesford crash victims identified
The town of Daylesford is in mourning just days after the devastating car crash that claimed the lives of five people, as the victims have been identified.
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 on Sunday evening.
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.
The driver of the BMW, a 66-year-old man, was taken to hospital and treated for shock and minor injuries and is expected to be interviewed by police when he is fit enough to answer questions about the crash.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said it's believed that none of those killed were locals, but were all tourists visiting the popular town.
In the wake of the tragedy, Hepburn Shire Mayor Brian Hood has told of locals' "remarkable" actions after the crash, as the town is reeling from the devastating incident.
Speaking to A Current Affair, Hood praised locals for jumping into action in the aftermath of the unprecedented disaster.
"People immediately leapt into action, doing what they could before the emergency services arrived," Hood said.
"It was a remarkable reaction, it would have been a terribly confronting sight."
"Injuries were severe, I understand, so people showed a lot of bravery, a lot of courage in helping fellow humans."
"We don't, fortunately, experience these sorts of accidents around here," he said.
"Our main concern is the health and wellbeing of the community, the mental health in particular...this will hit hard."
Image credits: A Current Affair / Courtesy of the Bhatia family