The true gravity of the incomprehensible and tragic events in Melbourne’s Central Business District is still being pieced together.
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In the face of such despair we remember how fragile life can be. As of Sunday afternoon, five were dead. This included an infant, two children and three adults.
But Victorian Police fear the death toll may rise with four victims, including a two-year-old, still in a critical condition.
The accused killer driver, Dimitrious Gargasoulas, was freed by a bail justice on Saturday, January 14, despite opposition from police, over an alleged assault on his mother’s partner.
While nobody could have ever predicted the tragedy which would unfold, there will be serious scrutiny to follow.
Questions have already been asked as to why a police request to keep him in custody was ignored.
It has emerged Gargasoulas, who had a history of family violence, drug and also mental health issues.
Questions are also likely to be raised as to whether haunting and violent Facebook rants posted by Gargasoulas in the lead up to the rampage, were taken into account.
Does Victoria need to completely overhaul its bail system and its police pursuit policy?
Victorian coroner Sara Hinchey is expected to hold an inquest which will examine how 26-year-old Gargasoulas was bailed at the weekend after being arrested for offences of violence.
Judge Hinchley will also look at Victoria Police's pursuit policy to see if Gargasoulas, wanted for the alleged near fatal stabbing of his brother Angelo the same day, could have been stopped before he went to allegedly mow down dozens of people walking in the CBD.
Police armed with guns and tasers tried to pull Gargasoulas over on the Bolte Bridge earlier that day, but the pursuit was called off as he was driving dangerously.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said police were forced to stop the pursuit but were looking to find another opportunity to intercept.
In the wake of tragedy, a city mourns and searches for answers. But what cannot be overlooked is the bravery of strangers and emergency service workers including police and paramedics who helped victims and will no doubt be impacted by what they saw for many years to come.