Family Tragedy on Rural Victorian Road
A devastating car crash has claimed the lives of three family members in regional Victoria, leaving a five-year-old girl orphaned. Krishna Bhandari, 41, his wife Sapana Bhandari, 31, and their three-year-old son Ruben died at the scene of a catastrophic collision on Tuesday morning.
The tragedy occurred around 9.30am on Tuesday at the intersection of Eurambeen-Streatham Road and Mount William Road outside Stoneleigh, approximately 200km west of Melbourne.
Community in Deep Mourning
The tight-knit Nepalese community in Geelong has been plunged into grief by the sudden loss. Niraj Karanjeet, President of the Geelong Nepalese Association, described the impact as devastating for the community.
"This has been very heartbreaking and has hit the community hard," Mr Karanjeet told the Geelong Advertiser. "It is the worst thing to happen to us in the 15 to 17 years since we formed."
The family had established themselves in the Armstrong Creek community, located 11km south of Geelong, after migrating from Nepal in 2017. They were known for embodying wonderful community spirit and were described as incredibly caring people.
Grandmother Hospitalised with Serious Injuries
In a heartbreaking detail, it has been revealed that Sapana Bhandari's elderly mother was also in the vehicle during the collision. She was trapped in the backseat and required airlifting to the Alfred Hospital with what police described as life-altering injuries.
Mr Karanjeet confirmed that the grandmother's condition has since stabilised, adding: "I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured grandmother."
The Geelong Nepalese Association shared an emotional tribute online, stating: "Words cannot express the pain and sorrow we feel at this heartbreaking moment. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to their family and relatives."
Investigation Underway
Major crash detectives have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Early reports suggest the family's vehicle may have missed a stop sign before colliding with a B-double truck.
The truck driver is assisting police with their inquiries and no charges have been announced at this stage.
The Nepalese Consulate has informed the family's relatives in Nepal of the tragic deaths, while the local community rallies around the surviving five-year-old daughter who has lost her entire immediate family in one devastating moment.
