A driver accused of a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two young brothers has been released on bail while police try to find his phone.
Callum Thorne, 22, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court for the first time since Wednesday’s crash.
Thorne was arrested and charged by police after a three-vehicle crash on the Riddoch Highway near Nangwarry at around 2.40pm on Sunday.
He was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing harm by dangerous driving, but was released on bail until May.
Detectives are desperately trying to find Mr Thorne’s phone, which they claim is crucial evidence in the case.
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 car, a white Nissan van driven by Mr Thorne, crashed at high speed into the rear of the Toyota which was occupied by the Eykelenburg family.
Five-year-old Isaac was pronounced dead at the scene and his 15-year-old sister was airlifted to Adelaide Hospital, where she sadly later died from her critical injuries.
Callum Thorne, 22 (centre in blue shirt), was released on bail after police arrested him and charged him with careless driving.
Thorne was allegedly behind the wheel of a Nissan Ute that was involved in a three-vehicle crash that claimed the lives of two young brothers, aged five and 15.
The court heard that the prosecution had searched Mr Thorne’s home in an attempt to find the phone after identifying the sign at the address.
“I do not accept that the accused and his family do not know where the phone is. I suspect some perversion,” said the prosecutor. the advertiser reported.
The prosecutor opposed Thorne’s bail after detectives discovered the phone. It traveled south after the accident before being diverted.
Police also allege that Throne told a witness at the scene that he was tired and was using his phone before the crash.
Throne’s lawyer, Nick Healy, told the court that his client “he vehemently denies having said that.
Mr Healy insisted that there must be some ‘completely innocent’ explanation for where the phone ended up.
“My client is adamant, as is his family, that they have absolutely no knowledge of where that phone is,” he told the court.
The court heard Thorne had no criminal record and was a respected member of the Mount Gambier community where he had lived all his life.
Magistrate Ben Sale said that while the allegations of concealment of evidence were worrying, the phone may have been moved later Mr Thorne was already in custody.
The judge did not suggest that Thorne was directing any concealment effort.
Judge Sale granted Throne bail on condition that he report to a police station weekly.
The charges have been postponed until May.
Isaac Eykelenburg, 5, died at the scene while his sister was transported to Adelaide Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Prosecutors told the court that Thorne had allegedly told a witness at the scene that he was tired and had been using his phone at the time of the crash.
Thorne’s friends and family had gathered outside the courthouse crying and holding hands when bail was granted.
A family friend has since launched a GoFundMe for the Eykelenburg family.
“My friend Paula and her husband Chris were in an accident that was not good,” wrote Tara Button.
“As far as I know, Chris and Paula are physically okay, but emotionally and mentally they won’t be.”
Eykelenburg, 42, was driving the car at the time of the crash and was taken to Mount Gambier Hospital, while it is understood his wife flew 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.
Memorial flowers have been laid at Grant Secondary School in Mount Gambier, where Mr Eykelenburg’s eldest daughter had been a student.