An unlicensed driver who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal crash in Wellington will appear in court on Thursday charged with 14 offences.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 4.30pm on Tuesday, emergency services were called to Warne Street, Wellington, following reports five pedestrians had been struck by a car.
Police have been told a 34-year-old woman and four boys - aged six, seven, nine and 10 - were walking along the grass on the side of the road when they were struck by a Holden Commodore.
They were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however the two younger boys died at the scene.
The woman was airlifted to Westmead Hospital where she remains in a stable condition.
The 10-year-old boy sustained serious leg injuries and was airlifted to The Children's Hospital at Westmead, where he remains.
The nine-year-old boy sustained minor injuries and was taken to Wellington Hospital. He has since been released.
The driver of the vehicle allegedly left the scene prior to police arrival.
Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District established a crime scene, which has been examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
Following extensive inquiries, a 25-year-old man was found at a home on Elizabeth Street, Wellington, about 8.40pm.
It's alleged he attempted to run from police and following a short foot pursuit he was arrested in a laneway behind the home.
During a search of the man, police seized a prescription drug.
The Wellington man was taken to Dubbo Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing before being taken to Dubbo Police Station.
He has since been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm), dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm-drive manner dangerous, cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle (x2), never licensed person drive vehicle on road, fail to stop and assist after impact causing injury (x2), fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death (x2), fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm, and possess prohibited drug.
Orana Mid-Western Police District Acting Superintendent Natalie Antaw said the incident had been a "complete tragedy" for the family and township of Wellington.
"It's been a tragic incident involving young children, which makes it all that more difficult," she said.
"Our hearts go out to the families of the children and also the town of Wellington."
Acting Superintendent Antaw said Lifeline at the Wellington Visitors Information Centre was available to support those in the community affected by the tragedy.
"Today myself and the region commander have been in contact with other emergency service workers including hospital and ambulance services who were also involved in responding to yesterdays collision," she said.
"We would be encouraging anybody who is feeling traumatised as a result of the incident to get in contact with their GP and seek medical help."
Police said they had been in contact with the family and would be offering as much assistance to them as they could.
"We have liaison officers in contact with the family, obviously they're grief-stricken in relation to the tragedy and the loss of their children and we will be offering our assistance to them as well," Acting Inspector Antaw said.
She said police would follow up reports the driver was doing burnouts in the street before the crash.
Investigators were still awaiting the results of the drug and alcohol testing.
Anyone who has any information or dash-cam footage that may assist police with inquires should contact Wellington Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
The Central Western Daily relies on your support to keep doing what we do. If you're not already a subscriber, please consider coming on board. For as little as $3 a week for full digital access, a subscription represents great value.
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below
Riley Krause
I am a senior journalist for the Central Western Daily. A jack of all trades, I cover everything from sport, to human interest stories and crime. Drop me an email at riley.krause@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I am a senior journalist for the Central Western Daily. A jack of all trades, I cover everything from sport, to human interest stories and crime. Drop me an email at riley.krause@austcommunitymedia.com.au
