‘In shock and devastated’: Families of Ashcroft crash victims break silence

“I cannot imagine this happening to my children. I think that's the most terrible thing that can happen to your children as a mother,” said a nearby resident. 

The families of two young boys killed in a horror crash in Sydney have broken their silence. 

Two boys, Braydan Collier, 13, and Kaine Bell, 14, were killed on Monday morning after a silver Ford, travelling at high speeds, crashed into a power pole in Ascroft, in Sydney’s southwest. 

The car split in two upon impact, tragically throwing one victim from the car. 

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Braydan (left) had just celebrated his 13th birthday the day before the accident. Source: News Corp

Families of teen victims “in shock” over fatal crash

The young boys were described as best friends, with Brayden celebrating his 13th birthday only the day before the tragic crash. 

“Both of our families are still in shock and devastated over yesterday's tragic crash,” read a statement from the victims’ families, provided by NSW Police. 

“We are continuing to come to terms with the loss of our much-loved son and brother.

“We ask for privacy at this time, and we will not be conducting any media interviews while the police investigation continues.” 

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"It's so bad," a resident recalled after seeing their horror crash. Source: 9News

“I saw two boys in my yard … it’s so bad”

The owners of the house where the car crashed recalled the horrifying moment they saw the wreckage in their front yard. 

“I came outside, and oh my God, I saw two boys inside my yard,” the resident said, per 9News. “It's so bad.” 

“I cannot imagine this happening to my children,” said another local. “I think that's the most terrible thing that can happen to your children as a mother.”

A nearby resident said they “feel so sorry for [the victims’] family and friends.” 

“It's never easy when you find out something like this for any child to lose their life so young,” they added. “It’s so tragic.” 

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Nicholas Thew and Anthony Morris were arrested Tuesday. Source: 9News

Driver and passenger arrested 

The driver and passenger of the crash, Nicholas Thew and Anthony Morris, reportedly ran from the vehicle. 

Shocking CCTV footage showed the men pulling themselves from the wreckage, checking on the injured boys, and stepping over them before fleeing the scene. 

The men were reportedly like big brothers to the young boys and were heard shouting, “I wanna go home”, before fleeing the deadly crash. 

On Tuesday at 12:30 PM, the men were arrested at Wetherill Park Police Station, where they were taken to Liverpool Hospital for a post-crash injury assessment. 

Police are currently investigating the incident. 

Originally published as ‘In shock and devastated’: Families of Ashcroft crash victims break silence