Child dead after three car crash on Riddoch Highway near Nangwarry involving an emu

A child has been killed and multiple others injured after a horror three-car crash in the state’s south east.

A child has died after a horror three-car crash in the state’s south-east caused by an emu.

Multiple others were injured in the collision, which occurred at around 2.40pm along Riddoch Highway, five kilometres south of Nangwarry in the Limestone Coast region.

The boy, 5, from Mount Gambier, died at the scene.

He was travelling in a grey Toyota station wagon when the crash occurred.

A 15-year-old girl, also in the Toyota and from Mount Gambier, was taken to hospital and is fighting for life with critical injuries.

A black Holden sedan hit an emu and the station wagon braked to avoid hitting the car in front.

A white Nissan ute then crashed into the back of the Toyota.

The other occupants of the station wagon – a 42-year-old man, 46-year-old woman, 13-year-old girl and six-year-old boy – were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Major Crash officers attended the scene, with traffic diversions put in place and motorists advised to avoid the area for the majority of Sunday night.

The boy’s death takes the road toll to 71.

Originally published as Child dead after three car crash on Riddoch Highway near Nangwarry involving an emu