A devastated mother has expressed her anguish after losing both her young children in a tragic car accident on their way home from school in Sydney's south-west.
Fatal Accident in Cabramatta
Katherine, aged five, and her one-year-old brother Harry were crossing the road with their mother Sok Ram, 33, when they were struck by a car at an intersection in Cabramatta on Wednesday afternoon (June 17). The incident occurred just moments after Katherine had excitedly told her mother about an award she had earned at school for her dedication. She was due to collect the award on Friday (June 19).
Emergency services rushed to the scene, where bystanders had already heroically flipped the vehicle to rescue the children and performed CPR. Both children were taken to hospital but succumbed to their injuries. Their mother sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The driver, a 56-year-old man, was unharmed and taken into custody for compulsory testing. He has not been charged.
Mother's Heartbreaking Words
Speaking at the crash site on Thursday morning, Sok Ram told Nine News, "Everyone tried to save them ... I love them more than my life. I think about when the car came ... I wish it hit me, not my baby and daughter." The children's father, Vundy Tha, was also present.
Family friend Patrick Te recounted the final moments: "As they were crossing the road together, heading back to the car, an oncoming vehicle suddenly struck both Katherine and the pram where Harry was sitting. A mother not only lost a child - she lost both of her children, her only two children."
Community Response and Safety Concerns
Local residents have described the junction as "an accident waiting to happen," citing speeding cars and limited visibility. Acting Commander Timothy Calman of NSW Police commended the bystanders: "The community involved here this afternoon was phenomenal. We've had a number of motorists that actually stopped, and collectively have moved the vehicle onto its side to get one of the children from underneath. Other bystanders have assisted with CPR."
Police are interviewing four of the eight men who assisted at the scene. A GoFundMe campaign set up by Patrick Te has raised over AUD$167,800 (£88,704) to support the grieving family.
