Council Closes Road After Deadly Car Crash
Introduction
The Hepburn Shire Council decided to close a road in Daylesford forever. In November 2023, a car hit people at a hotel. Five people died. The place will become a park. A court is still looking at the crash.
Main Body
The crash happened on November 5, 2023. William Swale was driving. He had a very low blood sugar problem. His car went into the beer garden of the Royal Hotel. Three adults and two children died. The council will close the road. They will make a green space between two hotels. The project costs over one million Australian dollars. The money comes from a government program. The council chose this plan from four ideas. Other ideas were a pedestrian island or a one-way street. The council asked the community and experts. Brian Hood is a local councillor. He said the council will talk to the community more. They will also use information from the court. The crash is a sad topic for the town. People talked about a memorial for the victims. The council talked to the families. The road closure may change local business. The council will work to make the space good. William Swale had charges at first. The charges said he caused the deaths. A judge dropped the charges in September 2024. The judge said the case was weak. Swale did not act on purpose. The government said it will not charge him again. Swale did not want to talk in court at first. But the coroner ordered him to talk. He talked in March. He said the crash was very sad for the families. The court is looking at many things. It is looking at Swale''s diabetes. It is looking at his food, drink, and medicine. It is also looking at rules for outdoor dining and safe driving.
Conclusion
The council made its final decision to close the road and make a park. The community will help with the design. The court will give more information. The court will start again on May 8.