Claims police car hit 150km/h before fatal crash which killed young officer Mia Lay
There are claims the patrol car carrying Constable Mia Lay may have been travelling at speeds of more than 150km/h before the crash that claimed the young police officer’s life.
As serious questions are being asked about the male constable behind the wheel, Lay’s heartbroken father says he hopes no one is at fault.
Mia Lay, a 20-year-old constable, had been on the force 16 months before she was killed in a car crash while on duty. NSW Police
Police sources have told 9News the car may have been travelling in excess of 150km/h before it hit a tree on Gibbons Street in Redfern, in inner-city Sydney, about 1.30am on Friday.
The patrol car had been responding with lights and sirens on to a report of a car theft in progress in Glebe.
A critical incident into the crash is under way and the 24-year-old constable who was driving has since been discharged from hospital.
He has not been charged with any offence.
Lay’s family is still processing the sudden loss of their loved one.
“It still hasn’t hit home to tell you the truth, we’re all trying to come to terms with everything that’s happened,” her father, Clem, said.
“I don’t know what to say about that speed.
“I just looked at pictures of the car and the shape of the car and thought, yeah, that makes sense.”
On the investigation, he said: “I’m just hoping there’s no one at fault. That’s all.
“If it’s done correctly and in detail, that’s all I could ever ask.”
On Monday, Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon visited the Lay family home, where floral tributes are piling up inside.
The scene of the crash on Gibbons Street in Redfern. Sam Mooy/Sydney Morning Herald
The NRL held a moment of silence before Sunday afternoon’s Panthers-Knights preliminary final, which Lay’s father said he was grateful for.
“I’d like to thank my community, especially people that have helped in any way possible and offered their condolences. I can’t thank you enough,” he said.
Tributes are continuing to grow, too, at the crash site on Gibbons Street.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley was not drawn on repeated questions about the constable who was behind the wheel.
“It is important we remember there’s another police officer who was injured, and we wish that driver a speedy recovery,” she said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “Everyone involved in this, including the driver, is going through hell right now, and I know the police fraternity are thinking about him.”
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
