A 19-year-old man has died from injuries following a two-vehicle collision involving a stolen car, driven by a minor, last night. Police say this was the ACT’s first road death of 2024.

A stolen gold Toyota Avalon sedan with four occupants ran a red light and collided with a Toyota Hilux utility, travelling to a green light, at the intersection of the Barton Highway and Clarrie Hermes Drive around 11.50pm, ACT Policing say.

The Avalon was driven by a 14-year-old boy, who is in police custody. He will face the ACT Children’s Court today, charged with culpable driving causing death and driving a stolen motor vehicle.

The Toyota sedan was stolen from a residence in Chisholm at 9.15pm, police allege.

One passenger, the 19-year-old man, Joshua Stewart, was also taken to hospital in a critical condition, but died there.

A second passenger, another 14-year-old boy, is in Canberra Hospital with significant injuries, and the fourth person in the car has some injuries.

The two people in the Hilux were treated for injuries, but are otherwise unscathed.

ACT Road Policing’s Major Collision Team is investigating the collision, and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Detective Acting Inspector Jonathon Turkich described the ACT’s first fatality of 2024 as devastating.

“It’s much sooner than we would have hoped. My heart goes out to family and the Canberra community. This will have a ripple effect for people across the ACT and probably Australia…

“So many families will be affected by this. First responders, witnesses, paramedics, everybody is affected by something like this, and it makes it even more challenging when they’re 14 years old.”

Police and emergency services were called to the crash site just before midnight.  

Emergency services treated the occupants of both vehicles at the scene.

Inspector Turkich urged 14-year-olds: “Please look after yourself. Talk to your friends, and think about your family and those around you.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dash cam footage relating to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 7649756.