Two people involved in a “tragic” incident have been identified after a car rolled through a fence, struck the driver’s wife and plunged into the Parramatta River yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to the boat ramp at Manns Point in Greenwich about 4.20pm yesterday after the car entered the water.
Detective Superintendent Paul Devaney said the couple, identified as Ahmad and Halima Dunia, often visited the river to fish, and they had just unloaded their fishing gear when Ahmad Dunia lost control of the car, driving into the fence.
The car accidentally struck Mrs Dunia as it travelled towards the water, pushing her into the river.
“The male was moving the car to a car park position when the incident occurred,” Devaney said.
”They are husband and wife, they have been coming here every day fishing for a number of years, (they’re) both retired … it is quite a distressing incident.”
Halima Dunia, 74, was pulled from the water by a 55-year-old man who was working nearby when he saw the Toyota plunge into the water.
“Upon seeing the incident, he entered the water… supported the 74-year-old female, and he attempted to remove the male from the vehicle, however, he was unable to do so,” Devaney said.
“I informed him we would be submitting an application for recognition for his bravery.”
It’s understood he was unable to open the door of the sunken vehicle.
At 6.30pm, emergency workers found the body of 83-year-old Ahmad Dunia in the water after initial search efforts failed.
Divers are still working on retrieving the vehicle from the river.
“At this stage, we have a complicated recovery operation… the vehicle is in approximately 10 metres of water,”
“Once recovered, that vehicle will be the subject of forensic examination to assist in determining the cause of this incident.”
Halima Dunia was treated by paramedics with lower leg injuries.
She was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital with a suspected broken ankle, bruises, abrasions and shock.
She has undergone surgery today for a broken ankle.
Her family have told 9News they are still in shock, and are trying to wrap their head around what happened.
She remains in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigations are underway.
