Anya Lim, 25, was driving on the Anzac Bridge, in the city's inner west, shortly before midnight in December 2022 when she bumped into a vehicle being driven by Hongyi Zhang, 40, prompting both drivers to get out.
Shortly afterwards, Adeeb Sukkar - who was on his way to a casino - slammed his car into the back of Ms Lim's vehicle, crushing both her and Mr Zhang between their damaged cars.
Both died from their injuries before paramedics could arrive, while Sukkar injured his right forearm.
Multiple witnesses saw the two victims talking prior to the crash on the Anzac Bridge. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
The 42-year-old has pleaded not guilty to two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and one count of negligent driving occasioning death, and is facing a trial in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court.
Crown prosecutor Gabrielle Steedman said Sukkar was shocked when he realised what had happened during the crash, repeatedly asking: "Where did those two people come from?"
When asked about his driving, he allegedly told police he was within the speed limit of 60km/h.
But witnesses saw Sukkar driving much faster, at close to 30km/h over the limit, Ms Steedman said.
Police analysis of his vehicle found no mechanical defects that would have stopped him from avoiding the crash.
Multiple witnesses also saw the two victims talking and managed to change lanes to avoid them, Ms Steedman added.
Sukkar's barrister, Greg Stanton, said it was an unusual case because many of the events of the night were not in dispute.
"The reality of what occurred … is stark and confronting," he said.
But Mr Stanton argued the speed Sukkar had been driving at before he saw Ms Lim and Mr Zhang was irrelevant.
Sukkar should instead be judged on his actions after he noticed them, he said.
The driver appeared to have braked before the crash, but not early enough to avoid the fatal collision, the court heard.
The trial continues.
