Horror Buxton crash kills five teenagers as driver walks away unharmed

The devastated father of one of five teenagers killed in a horrific crash that rocked a small town on Sydney’s outskirts has spoken.

Five teenagers were killed in a horror crash that rocked a small community on the outskirts of Sydney’s southwest.

Emergency services rushed to East Parade at Buxton just after 8pm Tuesday following reports a Nissan Navara ute lost control and left the road before it hit a tree.

Police have since revealed there were six people in the cabin of the ute at the time of the crash, five of whom died.

The five victims were all aged between 14 and 16.

The 18-year-old green P-plater who was driving the ute is the sole survivor of the smash. He has been identified as Tyrell Edwards.

John=, father of one of the dead children, told the ABC he didn’t hold any grudges against Mr Edwards.

“We don’t hold any grudges against the driver because he is going to go through hell,” he said on Wednesday.

Tyrell Edwards has been confirmed as the driver of the car that killed five teens on Tuesday night. Picture: Facebook

The tree that the car ploughed into on Tuesday night in Buxton. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Maria, an aunt of one of the victims, has issued a loving tribute to her nephew on Facebook, which has been inundated with condolences from friends.

“RIP my nephew, I love you and I will see you again,” she wrote.

Many people said they were sorry for her loss.

One man wrote: “Our boy, you were a great kid, was great knowing you for five years mate.”

“RIP only the good die young, will miss you and cherish our memories, love always uncle Brett,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, a friend of two of the victims, Ellie Mount, told media she felt like she could have prevented the tragedy as she was also invited out on Tuesday.

Mourners have been at the scene paying respects throughout the day. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

“I played soccer with them … you know, they were always there and to think that they texted me last night asking if I wanted to hang out with them,” she said through tears.

“I could have got mum to pick them up … I could have prevented it, I don’t know what to do.”

Tributes are flowing for one of the girls on her TikTok page, with many school friends dubbing her a “gorgeous” friend who will be “forever missed”.

“I’m going to miss you, rest easy I love you forever,” one friend wrote.

Another said: “Your always going to be remembered and missed rest easy my girl.”

All five of the victims attended Picton High School and the tight-knit community of just over 1000 residents are grieving the sudden loss of life.

Mr Edwards was arrested and taken to Liverpool Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

The 18-year-old was found lying next to the wreckage on Tuesday night before he was wheeled into an ambulance on a stretcher, with his eyes open and staring above him.

Friends of the victims pay their respects and lay flowers at the crash site in Buxton. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

The tragedy has shattered friends and family. Picture: John Grainger

NSW Ambulance Acting Inspector Matt Johnston said CPR was attempted by neighbours and then by first responders upon arrival.

However, the victims were unable to be revived.

“It is an extremely distressing and disturbing day for the entire public education system,” NSW Department of Education deputy secretary Murat Dizdar said.

Mr Dizdar said he had spoken with the teens’ school principal Warren Parkes who was overseeing counselling services for both students and staff.

Picton High School is offering additional counselling services to students and said the school community was “devastated” by the loss.

The ute was destroyed in the crash. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Friends couldn’t hide their emotions. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and friends of the young people who lost their lives,” the school shared in a statement.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet began his appearance at a budget estimates hearing on Wednesday morning by sending a message to the families affected by the Buxton crash.

“Just acknowledging the tragedy that occurred overnight, and on behalf of the people of NSW, my condolences to all the families and friends of the five children who passed away,” Mr Perrottet said.

Police at the scene of the horrific crash. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Friends from Picton High School pay their respects at the crash site. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

“Our hearts go out to them at this very difficult time, and I’m sure I share with all members today our thoughts and prayers.”

The families of the victims will have access to the Road Victims Support Group to provide support during this time.

Wollondilly MP Nathaniel Smith, whose electorate includes Buxton, said the local community were shocked and the impacts of the tragedy would be felt for a long time.

“It’s a really tough time for the community, they’re all taking it really hard,” he said.

“My prayers and thoughts go out to the family.

Flowers and personal notes left near the scene. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

A tow truck driver removes what’s left of the car. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“Nobody should suffer in silence. Please reach out to Lifeline or other services in the area.

“My thoughts also go out to the first responders, many of whom were volunteers from Buxton.”

Councillor Michael Banasik also issued a tribute to the lives lost on Tuesday night.

“Our hearts are with the families involved and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time,” he said.

NSW Health has deployed clinicians and counsellors to the area, and police will place a liaison officer at Picton High School.