Police say a Sydney man who allegedly caused an eight-car crash that left an 18-year-old dead was seen speeding past officers without his vehicle's headlights on prior to the incident.
Just after 7pm last night, a 26-year-old man veered onto the wrong side of Campbelltown Road in Woodbine and hit an Uber and six other cars, before bursting into flames.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said police saw the car speeding past them without its headlights on about 15 minutes prior to the crash.
"Last night police were stopped doing stationary work when they noticed a blue Commodore travelling past them at speed without their lights on," he said.
"They didn't have time to intercept that vehicle. A short time later the vehicle was seen by another police car travelling at high speed — we're alleging it was the same vehicle."
The man who was driving on the wrong side of the road is in an induced coma, and police expect to lay serious charges against him when doctors allow him to be interviewed.
Six other cars were also involved and 14 people were treated at the scene — five people including the alleged offender are in hospital with serious injuries.
'Lucky that more people did not die'
Assistant Commissioner Corboy described the scene as "unbelievable."
"In the end there could have been a lot more people killed, there could have been a lot more devastation, the scene was unbelievable," he said.
Police said it was too early to say whether alcohol, drugs or other factors were at play.
"Unfortunately one person has died but given the number of people and cars involved, the fact it was a head-on — we're lucky that more people did not die."
The 57-year-old Uber driver was not at fault.
NSW road toll on the rise
The Uber passenger's death has taken this year's road toll to 96, despite a heavy police presence on New South Wales roads.
Police said the tragic accident would have left one family shattered.
"We've got … . 1,354 highway patrol officers working very closely with our general duty colleagues right throughout the state," Inspector Phil Brooks said.
"[They] are making sure those using our roads this Easter long weekend are doing so safely.
"This was certainly a mass casualty event, a very sad and tragic event involving the death of an 18-year-old man who was a passenger and certainly that man's family, particularly at this time being Easter, will be feeling the pain and suffering.
"Police will be remaining on our roads right throughout the Easter break where double demerit points will be applying for speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences."
