Driver involved in crash that killed Hongkonger, 4 others in Australia ‘fined for speeding, released by police just 3 minutes earlier’
- Christopher Dillon Joannidis, 29, was reportedly driving 18km/h above speed limit when he was pulled over by police, questioned and fined
- Minutes later, Joannidis was involved in the crash on highway
Christopher Dillon Joannidis, 29, was driving at 118km/h (73mph) in a 100km/h zone at about 1.40pm on Thursday when he was pulled over by police, questioned and fined before being released at 2.18pm, Australian media reported.
Just three minutes later, Joannidis was involved in the crash on Murray Valley Highway at around 2.20pm, when his white Mercedes-Benz allegedly failed to give way and hit a Nissan Navara.
The driver of the second vehicle lost control and hit an oncoming milk tanker, killing all five people in the Nissan, marking the state’s deadliest crash since 2012.
Joannidis and his female passenger, 20, were said to have sustained minor injuries.
Joannidis, who was charged with five counts of dangerous driving causing death, appeared at Shepparton Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon and was granted bail. The conditions include not operating a vehicle, leaving the country or using any drugs. He returns to court on September 19.
Hong Kong officials take week to confirm 4 deaths in car accident across border
The five killed instantly in the accident included local Debbie Markey, in her 60s, who drove the Nissan Navara. Her four passengers from Taiwan and Hong Kong also died. A dog in the car was also killed.
Markey was taking the four passengers, a man and three women aged between 23 and 30, home from a local abattoir after work when the accident happened.
Australia’s Nine News spoke to Markey’s loved ones, who described her as a kind person who found purpose in looking after foreign nationals.
Her son Daniel was quoted as saying she was “a ridiculously fun energetic person” who “had time for everyone”.
He said: “Her life has not been easy but she really found her purpose looking after these foreign nationals. A very proud mum and a great chef.”
A friend added: “She was always there for everybody else, cheering everyone else on when she was fighting her own demons you know.”
Hong Kong TV star appeals against 18-day jail sentence for careless driving case
Hong Kong’s Immigration Department on Sunday said it was handling a case involving the accident and would follow up with the Chinese foreign ministry’s arm in Hong Kong, and the country’s consulate in Melbourne.
“The department has provided assistance and advice in accordance with the family’s request,” a spokeswoman said.
Hong Kong residents in need of help while overseas can contact the department via its 24-hour hotline 1868.
