The victims of a horrific road accident that left a mother fighting for her life while claiming the lives of her two children and their father have been named.
The family’s Nissan Terrano was hit from behind by a LandCruiser while driving along Dalby-Jandowae Rd in Jimbour East about 10.50am on Monday.
Phil, 54, who was in the front passenger seat, and Ocean, 15, and Warrior, eight, who were in the back seat, all died at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle, mother Krystal, 46, was flown to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with life-threatening abdominal and chest injuries.
The family of four were traveling along Dalby-Jandowae Rd in Jimbour East when their sedan was allegedly hit from behind by a LandCruiser car.
A father, 54, and his two children, aged 8 and 15, were killed on Monday when a ute hit them from behind. The children’s mother, who was driving, is in critical condition in hospital (photo emergency responders at the scene of the accident)
It is believed the family’s car was reversing on the road just before the crash (photo, crash scene in Jimbour East, northwest of Toowoomba)
The driver of the ute was treated for back injuries before being taken to Dalby Hospital by ambulance.
The family, from the Western Downs region of south-east Queensland, were described as being ‘severely’ trapped in their car.
Local Red Clark told Seven News the close-knit community is shocked by the tragedy.
He described the slain Ocean and Warrior as “good, quiet kids.”
Grieving family members set up an online fundraiser on Tuesday.
In memory of my beloved family who tragically died in a car accident on the Jimbour East Road from Jandowae,
“I humbly ask for your support. Your donation will help cover funeral costs and support my wellbeing during this difficult time. Every contribution, large or small, is greatly appreciated.
My family was a shining light in my life, and their loss has left a profound impact on me. Your kindness and generosity will help me get through this challenging time and honor their memory.
Thank you for considering this request. Your support means the world to me.
Addressing the media on Monday, Dalby Patrol Group Inspector Greg Wheeler said the scene was ‘horrific’.
“When children are involved, it’s extra traumatic,” he said.
“You know, one minute there’s a family and the next minute there’s not. It is very difficult to fathom how it actually happened,” he said.
Around 3 p.m., the police chaplain was called to the scene to provide support to the first responders.
Emergency services worked all day to ensure the part of the road where the accident occurred was safe.
Inspector Wheeler said the Forensic Crash Unit would work to put together a series of events that could help prevent similar crashes.
“It was a clear, sunny day and the accident took place on a closed, straight road,” he said.
‘All we can say is: plan your trip, make sure you get home safely, take care of your loved ones and other road users and make sure you are well informed about what you are doing at all times.’
Some road-savvy drivers took to social media to respond to the fatal crash.
Police have urged drivers to be safe, especially with the school holidays fast approaching (photo, accident scene)
‘That road has always been bad. Big long straights, one dip, one change of direction. Bumpy bumpy bouncy road surface! Things were bad in the 1970s. Nothing has changed I see,” one person wrote.
Another replied: ‘People should just drive according to the conditions!’.
Queensland Ambulance Service Dalby officer Alister Batterham urged motorists to exercise caution.
‘With the school holidays just around the corner, this tragic accident is a timely reminder to all take responsibility, adhere to the conditions and ensure we are extra careful with the extra traffic we will have on our roads encounter,” he said.
‘These types of incidents are confronting for emergency services and bystanders who encounter these traffic accidents and alert the emergency services.’