Devastated family pay tribute to girl, 5, killed while walking with mum

The great-grandmother of a five-year-old who was hit and killed by a van while out walking with her mother has shared her devastation.

Devastated family and friends have paid tribute to a five-year-old girl killed in a tragic car accident on Wednesday night.

Alannah Sobolewski was walking with her 25-year-old mother, Taylor Maddock, in Sydney’s north-west when they were hit by a Toyota Tarago just after 7pm.

Alannah died in hospital from head injuries and Ms Maddock was left with spinal injuries and several breaks to her leg.

“Our hearts are breaking tonight, our beautiful granddaughter & great granddaughter were hit by a car while crossing the road, sadly our baby girl has gone with the angels,” her great-grandmother Nola Meredith posted on Facebook.

Mum Taylor Maddock, 25, was injured and her daughter Alannah Sobolewski was killed after they were struck by a van in Sydney’s west.

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“Rest in peace Alannah” and “Loved” signs formed a cross and were accompanied by bouquets of flowers at a zebra crossing on Rooty Hill Road North in Sydney as the rain battered down on the few huddled together, heads down under an umbrella.

Emergency crews were called to the tragic scene on Rooty Hill Road North in Plumpton at 7.20pm before paramedics took the pair to Westmead Hospital. Ms Maddock was in a serious but stable condition, while Alannah was in a critical condition with severe head injuries.

The young girl died in hospital a short time later.

Ms Maddock and Alannah’s relatives said their hearts were breaking.

Family and friends turned out to pay tribute. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Erin Lyons

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Vision from the scene shows the shattered front window of the van as several ambulance crew rushed to the mother and daughter’s aid.

The 61-year-old male driver of the Tarago was also taken to Westmead Hospital for mandatory testing. Police said he was assisting with inquiries and had been released pending further investigations.

Local resident James Camilleri said he heard a “thud” before sirens started going off.

“Obviously someone has been hit by a car … this stretch of road is notorious for people getting hit and killed,” he said

“Just a year ago my brother was here and got T-boned by a truck. He had a heart attack here and was brought back to life.

“Something needs to be done about this road.”

Emergency crews were called to the scene after 7pm on Wednesday. Picture: TNV

A huge dent in the front of the Tarago. Picture: TNV

Lawrence Vincent, a paramedic who was one of the first on the scene, said the driver of the car was uninjured, but the girl was found with life-threatening injuries.

“On arrival it was absolute chaos,” he said.

“We took control of the scene and provided exceptional care tonight for our patients.”

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Detective Chief Inspector Sean Gabin said the driver was in shock and described the incident as “absolutely tragic”.

“Anyone who goes to a scene where someone has died is obviously distressing,” he said.

“It’s more distressing when you see a small child.”

Inspector Gabin could not confirm whether police would be looking at laying any charges further down the track but said detectives would consider all lines of inquiry, including the weather conditions or if speed was a factor.

The Toyota driver is helping police with inquiries. Picture: TNV

Police described the incident as ‘tragic’. Picture: TNV

Flowers lay where the little girl was killed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Erin Lyons

“All will form part of the investigation. Obviously, it was an accident. No one means to go out and do these type of things,” Inspector Gabin said.

“We’ll be investigating everything. We have to.”

He urged drivers to take caution, particularly as the wet weather takes hold.

“NSW is going to go through some inclement weather for a prolonged period. This may mean that you drive below the posted speed limit,” Inspector Gabin said.

The local council and Minister for Roads have been contacted for comment.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.