A 20-year-old police officer, Constable Mia Lay, has died on duty after the marked police car she was travelling in crashed into a tree in Redfern, Sydney. The incident occurred around 1.30am on Friday while officers were responding to a reported vehicle theft at Glebe, with lights and sirens activated.
Constable Lay, who had served with the force for 16 months, died instantly in the crash. The 24-year-old male constable driving the vehicle was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital in a stable condition.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon thanked Constable Lay for her courage. A crime scene has been established, and police have declared a critical incident. The NSW Police watchdog, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, stated it would monitor the force's investigation into the crash.
The Premier, Chris Minns, and Police Minister, Yasmin Catley, expressed their condolences to the officer's loved ones. The NSW opposition leader, Kelly Sloane, also shared her sorrow.
Nearby Regent Street remains closed in both directions between Lawson and Cleveland streets, with motorists advised to avoid the area due to diverted bus routes.