Police investigating a fatal crash which killed a police officer’s daughter on the Bruxner Highway near Casino on Friday are re-appealing for witnesses to come forward.
About 1.20pm on Friday, a red Mazda 323 was travelling west on the Bruxner Highway, about 10km east of Casino, when it collided with a white Subaru Liberty.
As a result of the collision the Mazda was torn in half.
A four-year-old girl in the back seat received fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Her sister, aged two, was also in the back seat received serious injuries and was taken to Lismore Hospital before being transferred to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital where she has since regained consciousness and is speaking to her parents.
The 18-year-old female driver of the Mazda was taken to Lismore Hospital with a laceration to her arm.
The seven-year-old female front seat passenger was also taken to Lismore Hospital suffering shock.
The driver and front seat passenger were unrelated to the back seat passengers.
The 81-year-old male driver of the Subaru, who was the sole occupant, was taken to Lismore Hospital with sternum injuries and was later released.
Police from Richmond Local Area Command attended the scene and diversions were in place for about seven hours whilst inquiries took place.
Far North Coast Crash Investigation Unit are investigating the crash and are appealing for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to come forward.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
Meanwhile, Lismore MP Thomas George expressed condolences to Senior Constable Steve Underhill and his wife Michelle, and other police.
‘I know and understand that your work involves attending tragedies but to experience one involving “family” is devastating for you all,’ Mr George said.
‘To the survivors we hope you are improving and make a speedy recovery.
‘Steve, Michelle and the families and friends affected by this horrible tragedy please be assured our prayers and thoughts are with you all,’ he said.
Words can not convey the sorrow I feel for this family.
To lose someone so young, so quickly, at this time of year is a pain no family should have to endure.
Police officers are the unsung heroes of our society. They are one of us. They have feelings, wives , children, nieces, nephews, mums and dads.
My heart goes out to this family that endures daily sacrifice to provide protection to the rest of us only to be struck down by tragedies such as this.
The next time you are pulled over for speeding, drink driving or smoking pot thank the officer and tell him what a great job he is doing.
We must have safer cars in Australia. That Mazda 323 was a tin can offering no protection for that poor man’s family. The newer subaru did though. Drive the safest/modern car you possibly can afford
I feel for this family.
The anguish of knowing the cause of the accident,
To lose a beautiful daughter.
I will be praying for you all