Cowra crash victims identified as elderly couple and man
An elderly married couple from a small community in the NSW Central West were killed instantly when a ute driven by another elderly man swerved into oncoming traffic.
NSW
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An elderly married couple have been identified as the victims of a “horrific” head-on crash in the NSW Central West which occurred when another driver drifted into oncoming traffic.
Andre Cantrel, 87, and 85-year-old Mary Cantrel, from Lyndhurst, were travelling west on the Mid Western Highway at Woodstock, near Cowra, in a Toyota Yaris at around 4pm on Thursday when tragedy struck.
An unidentified 76-year-old man from Young was travelling east in a 2004 Holden ute when it’s believed his car crossed into the path of the Yaris on the 100km/h stretch of highway.
Emergency services were called to the scene, where all three people were found dead. The crash occurred just minutes from the Cantrels’ home.
NSW Police District Chief Inspector Glenn Cogdell said the scene was confronting for all involved.
“It would be horrific for all emergency services who attended — NSW Police, Fire and Rescue, RFS, SES and NSW Ambulance,” Insp Cogdell said.
“Initial investigations indicate the utility has crossed into the path of the Toyota Yaris and a head-on collision occurred in the eastbound lane,” he said.
The families have been informed of the tragedy.
Chief Insp Cogdell described the accident as an unspeakable tragedy, particularly for the communities of Young and Lyndhurst.
“Any fatality is a tragedy for the families and the surviving members of the family.
“The people who have passed away as a result of this collision have come from country areas and, being small communities, it will have a significant impact on those communities.
“My condolences to the immediate family, friends and colleagues of those who have died.”
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the crash or anyone who was travelling on the highway at the time of the accident to come forward.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.
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Originally published as Cowra crash victims identified as elderly couple and man
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