Emma McLean remains in induced coma after tunnel crash that killed best friend Lily Galbraith

Emma McLean’s parents have broken their silence following the horrific Brisbane tunnel crash that left their daughter with significant injuries, saying they are hopeful she will make a full recovery.

The South Australian woman seriously injured in a horrific crash on the way to a wedding in Brisbane is unaware her best friend was killed, with her parents saying they are “devastated” and “heartbroken”.

Emma McLean, 23, from South Plympton, suffered broken arms and a shattered pelvis and is in a serious but stable condition.

Ms McLean’s best friend, Lily Galbraith, 24, was killed when a former police officer driving an Audi crashed into the back of her car in a tunnel that links Brisbane’s Western Freeway in the city’s west with the inner-north about 3pm Wednesday.

Her parents, Peter and Lisa McLean, told The Advertiser their daughter remained in an induced coma and would undergo further medical intervention in the coming days.

“We are very hopeful for her recovery and while the family are devastated and heartbroken by the recent events, they take solace in the overwhelming support from loved ones and the community,” they said in a statement.

Colleagues from ScreenAway Australia where Ms McLean works said news of the accident had shattered the “close-knit” team.

“She has no idea what’s happened yet,” co-worker Jake Elze said.

Mr Elze said the “close-knit” team had been on an “emotional rollercoaster” since hearing the news of the incident.

“I have sat next to Emma every day since I started, so obviously the news has hit close to home for our little team and it just came as a shock,” he said.

“We kind of just felt really helpless and all we knew at the time was that she was in a really bad way and she was in an induced coma and we couldn’t really get any more information than that.”

Wednesday afternoon Legacy Tunnel crash victim and survivor have been identified as Lily Galbraith (died at the scene, left) and Emma McLean (in hospital) Picture Instagram

The Regency Park based screens and blinds business has been rocked by the tragedy, with Mr Elze saying the team were constantly refreshing the news to follow any updates.

“We got an update yesterday, which was hopeful,” he said.

“It looks like things are going well and they’re having surgery on Tuesday to try to help with her broken arms and her shattered pelvis.”

Ms McLean is described by her colleague as “bubbly and vibrant” and was known for lighting up the room.

“She always goes the extra mile and she’s not just our receptionist, she’s a part of the team,” Mr Elze said.

“It’s that vibrant personality that’s kind of left us at the minute.

“It’s like, all the candles have gone out and we’re all kind of just sitting in the dark waiting for Emma to come back.”

Emma McLean was seriously injured in the Legacy Way Tunnel crash. Picture Instagram

Ms McLean was engaged in April – sharing the news on social media. Picture Instagram

ScreenAway Australia has launched a GoFundMe to support Ms McLean through her recovery.

“Her family is in Sydney and it is just her and her fiance down here and they’re not really in a position to not work financially,” Mr Elze said.

“Whether she chooses to recover here in Adelaide with her fiance or whether she chooses to go home to Sydney for a while and recover with her parents and her family, we just wanted to alleviate any pressure there that we could, because we know it is not going to be a short road.”

The GoFundMe, which was posted on Friday, has already received more than 100 donations, with more than $8000 going towards Ms McLean’s recovery.

A GoFundMe has also been set up to support the family of beloved Flinders Private Hospital ICU nurse, Ms Galbraith.

Flinders Private Hospital also issued a statement expressing their devastation at the loss of Ms Galbraith.

“Lily was well known for her bright bubbly nature and kindness towards her patients and their families, hospital staff and doctors.

“The outpouring of love for Lily in our hospital corridors has been overwhelming,” the statement from the hospital’s general manager, Janet Jongeneel said.

“Our thoughts are with Lily’s parents, two brothers, partner, extended family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly distressing time.

“Also in our thoughts is Lily’s best friend Emma, her fiance, family and friends,” the statement said.

The Flinders University Football Club, where Ms Galbraith was a member since 2022, will wear black armbands in memory of their “great teammate” who will be “deeply missed” during matches on Saturday.

In a Facebook post, the club described Ms Galbraith as a “lovely person, with an infectious personality”.