A five-year-old girl and her one-year-old brother have tragically died after being struck by a car while crossing the road on their way home from school in Sydney's south-west.
The Incident
Katherine, 5, and Harry, 1, were crossing the road with their mother, Sok Ram, 33, at an intersection in Cabramatta on Wednesday afternoon. Moments before the crash, Katherine had been excitedly telling her mother about an award she had received for her hard work in class, which she was due to receive on Friday.
The family was struck by a car, and despite the efforts of bystanders and paramedics, both children died from their injuries. Their mother sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The driver, a 56-year-old man, was uninjured and arrested, but has not been charged. He was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Community Response
Heroic bystanders rushed to help, with several motorists working together to overturn the vehicle that had collided with the children. Others performed CPR in a desperate attempt to save their lives. NSW Police Acting Commander Timothy Calman praised the community's response, calling it 'phenomenal'.
Family friend Patrick Te described 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.' He urged others to 'kiss and hold your kids tight' and cherish every moment.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are investigating the crash and are seeking to speak with four of the eight men who assisted at the scene. Neighbors described the junction as 'an accident waiting to happen,' citing poor visibility and speeding vehicles. One resident said motorists treat the road 'like a racetrack.'
Acting Commander Calman noted that the scene was 'one of the most confronting scenes that police have come across involving young children.'
Fundraising Efforts
A GoFundMe campaign set up by Patrick Te has raised over AUD $167,800 to support the grieving family. The funds will help them navigate this heartbreaking loss.
