How the alleged driver of horror Buxton crash survived as five passengers died instantly

New details about a horror crash at Buxton have emerged as families begin the grim task of burying the five school kids who died.

The alleged driver of a shocking crash which killed five school kids was the only person in the vehicle wearing a seat belt.

NSW Police crash investigators believe that is how Tyrell Edwards, 18, managed to survive a horror accident at Buxton with only minor injuries, while five passengers died at the scene.

The 2004 model Nissan Navara utility the group was travelling in last Tuesday night had two lap seat belts in the back, neither of which was fastened, and the front passenger was not wearing his belt either, police will allege.

Police said the alleged driver, Tyrell Edwards (pictured) was the only person in the vehicle wearing a seatbelt when the car crashed. Picture: Facebook

Edwards was “travelling at high speed” on East Parade when he allegedly lost control and hit two large trees.

“Four passengers were ejected from the rear of the vehicle and located a short distance away, trapped by confinement,” police allege in court documents.

A memorial at the scene where five friends from Picton High School died in a single-vehicle car crash at Buxton last Tuesday night. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The revelation comes as families of the five alleged crash victims began the heartbreaking task of making funeral arrangements.

John Van de Putte whose daughter Lily, 14, died in the accident said he just wants the funeral “out of the way”.

“We just want to get it over with … it will be a celebration of her life, but we just want it done,” Mr Van de Putte said.

Tyrese Bechard’s grandmother who raised him from a baby after his mother died from a drug overdose was already struggling financially and emotionally, and the accident had made things worse.

A photograph of victim Tyrese Bechard is left at the crash scene along with his boxing gloves. Picture: John Grainger

“My mum is not good … She raised Ty, now she’s lost a daughter and a grandson,” Tyrese’s aunt Maria Ma said.

“She’s strapped for cash, she’s doing it really tough.”

It is understood Youi insurance agency will reimburse families for funeral costs as the driver had CTP insurance.

Ms Ma said the group was doing a “McDonald’s run” when the crash happened, about 8pm, although witnesses claim the group had been driving around together for a few hours.

“They were doing normal stuff, driving, hanging out. It’s the Southern Highlands, there’s not a lot to do,” she said.

Mourners pay their respects to the five teenagers who died in the crash. Picture: Julian Andrews

A school friend of the group who was not in the vehicle that night claims he saw some of the passengers at Tahmoor McDonald’s after school that day, and later get picked up in a utility.

“I think a few of us were not told the full story of what they were up to,” one of the passengers’ parents said.

Meanwhile, sporting clubs in the Wollondilly shire paid tribute to several of the passengers during what should have been their weekend soccer games.

15-year-old Picton Magpies star Summer Williams was one of five youth killed in the Buxton crash.

Lily Van De Putte, 14, also died in the tragic crash.

The Picton Magpies said Summer Williams, 15, was so talented she played in a grade higher than her age group.

“The beautiful and cheeky Summer was not shy to become an integral team member and fitted in perfectly with the older girls. Summer loved a joke, loved a laugh and had a powerful spirit,” the club said.

The Yerrinbool Soccer Club where Lily and another girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were star players said “our thoughts, priorities and love are with the family and friends of the Buxton tragedy”.

Edwards was charged with five counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and was refused bail. He will face court again on November 16.