In a devastating incident that has shattered a local community, an 11-year-old girl has lost her life following a single-vehicle crash in the rugged terrain of northern New South Wales.
The young victim has been identified as Lylah Baker, a Year 6 student whose life was tragically cut short on Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred when the car driven by her 34-year-old mother left the road on a rural property near the town of Tenterfield, close to the Queensland border.
Emergency services were confronted with a harrowing scene after being called to the property on Liston Road around 4:30 PM. The vehicle had careened off the roadway and rolled down a steep embankment, coming to a rest in a dam.
Despite the frantic efforts of paramedics and local residents who rushed to help, Lylah succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Her mother, the driver, was transported to Stanthorpe Hospital in a state of shock. She is currently receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and is being supported by family and friends.
A Community United in Grief
The news has sent waves of grief through the small, tight-knit community of Tenterfield. Lylah was a known and beloved student at the local school.
"The school community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our students," a spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education stated. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and all who knew her. Support is being provided to students and staff during this incredibly difficult time."
Councillor for the Tenterfield Shire, Tom Peters, expressed the collective sorrow, stating: "It's an absolute tragedy for our community. Our thoughts are with the family. It's a terrible thing to happen to anyone, let alone a young family."
Investigation into the Tragedy
Officers from the New England Police District have established a crime scene and have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner, which is standard procedure in all fatal vehicle accidents. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident, or who may have dashcam footage from the Liston Road area around the time of the crash, to come forward.
As the investigation continues, the family requests privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
