The driver of a car that allegedly crashed into the back of another vehicle causing the deaths of two children has been arrested and charged with reckless driving.
A 22-year-old man from Mount Gambier was arrested by police after the three-vehicle crash on the Riddoch Highway near Nangwarry at around 2.40pm on Sunday.
Officers from the Major Accident Investigation Section have since charged him with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing harm by dangerous driving.
The tragic collision occurred when a black Holden sedan collided with an emu on the road, causing a gray Toyota pickup truck behind it to brake suddenly to avoid hitting the Holden, police said.
A third vehicle, a white Nissan ute, crashed at high speed into the rear of the Toyota occupied by the Eykelenburg family.
Five-year-old Isaac was pronounced dead at the scene, while his 15-year-old sister was airlifted to Adelaide Hospital, where she sadly later died from her critical injuries.
The children’s parents and siblings were rushed to the hospital with minor injuries.
The children’s father, Chris, 42, He broke his silence for the first time since the accident as he thanked emergency service members who helped his family on Tuesday.
A 22-year-old Mount Gambier man has been arrested and charged following a fatal three-vehicle crash on the Riddock Highway, near the Victoria-South Australia border, on Sunday.
A five-year-old boy died at the scene, while his 15-year-old sister was airlifted to hospital, where she later died from her critical injuries.
“My wife and I are very grateful for anything, considering what we have lost,” he said. he told the advertiser.
“I’m still trying to come to terms with everything and I’m still in the hospital.
“I thank all the emergency services for their efforts, I can’t blame them for everything they tried to do for us, they were very supportive.”
Mr Eykelenburg was driving the car at the time of the accident and was taken to Mount Gambier Hospital.
His wife, Paula, 46, is believed to have flown to Adelaide with their 15-year-old daughter.
The couple’s 13-year-old daughter and six-year-old son were also taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The 22-year-old driver of the Nissan was not injured, but paramedics took him to hospital as a precaution.
He was refused bail and will appear in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
