The driver involved in the Daylesford pub crash that killed five people stated in court he never informed his insurer about his diabetes. William Swale, who was driving the vehicle that mounted the curb and collided with patrons outside the Royal Daylesford Hotel, told the Coroner's Court he had been a customer of RACV for three decades without disclosing his medical condition. This disclosure comes as the inquest into the fatal event continues.
Swale’s testimony detailed a concerning pattern of non-disclosure regarding his diabetes. He also admitted to not informing VicRoads about his condition, a requirement for drivers. A blood glucose reading from the day of the crash, November 5th, showed a dip as low as 2.9 mmol/L, significantly below levels that would typically trigger an alarm. Despite his device's alarm reportedly sounding multiple times, Swale claimed he did not hear it, attributing this to potential issues with his phone's Bluetooth connection to his car.
Read More: Narcotics Bureau Seizes 1,055 Kg Ganja in Tamil Nadu and Assam on March 8, 2026
He recounted leaving a deli and having no recollection of events immediately following, with his next memory being his interaction with paramedics at the crash scene. Swale asserted he did not believe he was hypoglycemic when he checked his blood sugar at 5:17 pm, even with the low reading. He also mentioned a general rule for himself: he would drive if his fasting blood glucose levels were at 8mmol/L, and at 5mmol/L he would typically eat something. On the day in question, he stated he had snacks like jellybeans, fruit, and nuts in his car.
Lack of Medical Communication
The court heard that Swale’s medical care involved differing understandings between his general practitioner and endocrinologist regarding who was managing his diabetes and certifying his fitness to drive. Swale indicated that his GP believed his endocrinologist was overseeing his driving safety, while his endocrinologist thought his GP was responsible for the certification. He also noted that he only became aware of the requirement to notify VicRoads about his diabetes approximately five years prior, when he was seeking a truck driving license.
Read More: Australia Interest Rate Likely to Stay at 3.85% in March, Not Rise to 4.1%
Inquest Focus and Background
The Coroners Court is examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, with a stated focus on the safety of outdoor diners and the risks associated with diabetic drivers. This inquest was initially put on hold due to criminal charges previously brought against Swale. Evidence from a road safety expert and an endocrinologist is expected to be presented.
The fatal incident occurred around 6 pm on Albert Street in Daylesford when Swale’s vehicle lost control and veered into the outdoor dining area of the Royal Daylesford Hotel, striking multiple families. The crash resulted in the deaths of five individuals. Swale expressed his sorrow for the families affected by the tragedy, stating the victims are "always with him."