Hwy tragedy shatters family

A BALLINA family is in mourning after a one-month-old baby girl and her 12-month-old sister were killed in a shocking road crash.

The vehicle involved in the single car accident which claimed two young lives near Apple Tree Creek. Picture: Max Fleet

A BALLINA family is in mourning after a one-month-old baby girl and her 12-month-old sister were killed in a shocking road crash on the Bruce Hwy near Bundaberg, Queensland, early Sunday.

Bundaberg police yesterday confirmed they were investigating whether the passengers were wearing seatbelts.

The two girls died when the family’s four-wheel drive vehicle smashed into a tree at Apple Tree Creek just after 1am.

Their 24-year-old mother and the girls’ older sisters, aged three, four and seven, were airlifted to Brisbane hospitals for treatment.

The three-year-girl is in a critical condition, while her older sisters were said to be stable.

Bundaberg police Superintendent Rowan Bond said investigations were centred around two of the “Fatal Four” – fatigue and seatbelts.

“The Scenes of Crime crew was out there (on Sunday),” Supt Bond said.

“At the moment, we’re looking at the immediate hours prior to the crash.

“We are looking at whether fatigue was an issue and the possible lack of restraint of children.”

Supt Bond urged drivers to take care on the roads.

“This will have caused considerable trauma for these families,” he said.

Childers police Senior Constable Fred Foster said the family came from Ballina and were heading to Mareeba at the time of the crash.

“The Criminal Investigations Branch has interviewed them and the matter is still under investigation,” he said.

It is believed the young family was originally from Ipswich but moved to Ballina about six months ago.

The woman’s 27-year-old brother, who escaped the crash uninjured, was believed to have been driving at the time of the crash.

The children have been taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital and their mother is at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

The woman is believed to have serious spinal injuries.

Originally published as Hwy tragedy shatters family