Tragic car accident claims lives of siblings after driver records Snapchat video

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【Summary】A young father is accused of causing a fatal car crash that killed a brother and sister in Heckenberg, Sydney. The father allegedly filmed himself eating KFC in a Snapchat video before turning himself into the police. The accused denies being the driver of the stolen Mercedes involved in the crash. He has been charged with multiple offenses and was refused bail. The victims, Alina Kauffman, 24, and Ernesto Salazer, 15, were treated at the scene but sadly passed away.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 10:12 AM PT

Tragic car accident claims lives of siblings after driver records Snapchat video

A young father has been accused of causing a fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of a brother and sister, before allegedly filming himself eating KFC and then turning himself into the police. The incident occurred in Heckenberg, southwest Sydney, when an allegedly stolen Mercedes SUV crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with the victims' Toyota Echo at 9.20pm on Friday. The accused, Johnson Kokozian, 20, is facing multiple charges including dangerous driving occasioning death, failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death, and driving a vehicle during a disqualification period.

In a Snapchat video allegedly filmed after the crash, Mr. Kokozian can be seen enjoying a meal from KFC. However, he has denied being behind the wheel during the fatal crash. He was refused bail at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday. Paramedics attempted to treat the victims at the scene, but both Alina Kauffman, 24, and her brother, Ernesto Salazer, 15, succumbed to their injuries. Two other motorists were also involved in the collision but escaped uninjured.

After the crash, it is alleged that Mr. Kokozian and two others left the scene in another vehicle without offering any assistance to the victims. Following an urgent investigation, he was arrested at Liverpool police station on Saturday and charged with various driving-related offenses. Police prosecutors argued in court that releasing Mr. Kokozian would pose risks to the safety of the community and the victims. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday.

The mother of the deceased siblings, Angelina Kauffman, expressed her grief, stating that her children did not deserve to die. Alina, a nurse who worked with the elderly, had just picked up Ernesto from his new job at Kmart before the accident. The family used an app to locate the wrecked car after they failed to return home. The devastating incident has left the community in shock and mourning the loss of these young lives.