The scene of the high-speed crash which claimed the lives of three young brothers and a family friend was so shocking that emergency services were offered advice.
Rhys Davies, 21, was driving a Nissan Navara on the Great Eastern Highway near Clackline in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia when he lost control of the ute, turned onto the wrong width of the road and crashed into a tree around at 12:30 a.m. on Friday.
Davies and his brothers Ambrose, 19, and Strahan, 9, suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene, about 80 kilometers northeast of Perth, along with family friend Bob Martin, 45, who was visiting from New South Wales.
Mr. Martin was in the front passenger seat, while the two younger brothers were in the back.
It has been revealed that all of the victims were well-liked members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
Rhys Davies, 21, was driving a ute when he lost control in Western Australia’s wheat belt, causing a fiery crash that claimed his life along with two of his brothers and a family friend.
The tragedy has shaken the close-knit religious community.
‘This is a very sad day. “The four people who died in this tragedy were much-loved members of both our church and wider communities,” church spokesperson Lloyd Grimshaw told The West Australian.
‘We are a very supportive church and we are providing the family and friends of the people involved in the accident with the help they need.
“On behalf of the church, I would like to thank the first responders who have been very professional and compassionate in their response.”
It is understood Mr Martin had taken time away from the Brethren with his wife before the couple returned to the church fold eight years ago.
Rescuers at the accident described the van as a “crumpled mess” and were offered advice.
Northam Shire chairman Chris Antonia told Seven News the accident had left locals stunned.
“It’s an absolute tragedy, you don’t expect it to happen and when it does it feels like a double tragedy,” he said.
WA Police Superintendent Gene Pears said his heart goes out to the families involved.
“When you lose three young men in the prime of their lives and a friend, it will have lifelong impacts for that family, their friends and our community,” he said.
The tragedy brought the toll on Western Australia’s roads to 55 lives lost so far in 2024.
Bob Martin was visiting the Davies family from New South Wales and was in the front seat of the crashed ute.
The tragedy sparked a petition WA Premier Roger Cook will slow down and take care on the road.
‘That family and indeed the community will be suffering. “We can’t begin to understand the level of pain they must be experiencing,” she stated.
‘To the rest of the community, we say, let this be a continued reminder that driving on the roads is a dangerous activity and that we must take every precaution possible to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
‘I just keep imploring everyone; Be careful on the roads. Take care of yourself. Take care of your loved ones.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Leading accident investigators are urging anyone with information, a dash cam or who may have seen the silver Nissan Navara traveling in the area before the crash to call Crime Stoppers.
Police are urging anyone who may have dash cam footage from the Nissan Navara to come forward and help with their enquiries.
Three brothers and a family friend were killed in a car accident in Clackline on Friday morning when their vehicle left the Great Eastern Highway and collided with a tree. The photo shows the scene of the accident.
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