Fundraiser launched to support families of four South Korean women killed in Stanthorpe crash

The heartbroken families of four women killed in a horror highway crash west of Brisbane have flown to Queensland, as a fundraiser for them has been launched.

The heartbroken families of four women killed in a horrific car crash have made the long journey to Queensland as they prepare to take the bodies of their loved ones home to South Korea.

The women, aged 23, 24, 28 and 23, who had come to Australia to “chase their dreams” were killed when their SUV failed to give way and pulled out in front of a semi-trailer at The Summit, between Warwick and Stanthorpe, about 5.30pm last Wednesday.

Tragically all four women, who had been working at an apple orchard, died at the scene.

The 41-year-old truck driver from the New England area was taken to the Stanthorpe Hospital in a state of shock.

The 41-year-old truck driver was left traumatised by the crash. Picture: 9 News

Friends of one of the victims, Nang Kyung Kim, have paid tribute to the young woman who was “always smiling” and was “like a little sister”.

Country Farm Fresh Mushrooms co-owner Alida Newman said Kyu had become a treasured member of their tight-knit team and the wider community, and the sudden deaths of the four young women had been devastating for those left behind.

“She was a beautiful girl, she was loved by everyone here. She had a beautiful smile and was friends with everybody, always made eye contact and would say hello,” she said.

“She was (in Australia) for three years because of Covid and she’d been mushroom picking for six months, but was going to go apple packing and try it before going back to her home in Korea (in June).

A fundraiser has been launched to support the families of four young women killed in a horror crash near the Queensland-NSW border. Picture: 7 News

“It doesn’t matter how long they’ve been working for you, it does touch you in different ways, and everyone here was quite shocked.

“I thought of the mothers of these girls. I’ve got three daughters of my own, and we’re not here to bury our kids.”

Police believe the crash was a result of a basic driving error, with the international driver failing to give way.

An online fundraiser has since been launched to rally funds for the women’s families and already $5000 has been raised.

The Courier Mail understands some of the women’s families have already arrived and more were flying into Brisbane on Tuesday.

Four young women have been killed in a horror crash between a car and a truck near the Queensland-NSW border. Picture: 7 News

“We are wishing to assist their devastated family members, who had to travel to Australia with such a short notice during not the most favourable time to travel, to see their daughters and sisters for the last time and take them home to Korea,” campaign organiser Paris Ku wrote.

“The family member have expressed their gratefulness and authorised us to receive any donation for them.

“All donation will be used for the families to cover the fees for funerals and travels.”

Speaking after the horror crash, Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder said it was an absolute tragedy.

“Our hearts really go out to the families of the four young ladies who were tragically killed in that crash and also with the driver of the semi trailer,” he said.

Supt Rohweder said investigators were looking at whether the driver had simply looked the wrong way before pulling out in front of the semi trailer.

If you wish to donate to the fundraiser, visit the GoFundMe page.

Originally published as Fundraiser launched to support families of four South Korean women killed in Stanthorpe crash