SYDNEY: In the early hours of Saturday, a devastating crash occurred on Cabbage Tree Road in Bayview, Sydney, resulting in the loss of a 16-year-old boy and injuries to five other teenagers. The vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old with a red P-plate, veered off the road and collided with a tree, leaving its occupants in a critical state.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene shortly after 12:20 a.m., finding six teenagers with various injuries. Tragically, the 16-year-old boy seated in the front passenger seat succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital. The 17-year-old driver was airlifted to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Four other boys, believed to have been seated in the back, were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital. Fortunately, at this stage, none of their injuries are believed to be life-threatening, although they vary in severity.
Detective Superintendent Patrick Sharkey mentioned that the vehicle, designed for five passengers, had only five seatbelts, implying that two of the boys might have been ejected during the crash. Injuries sustained ranged from severe chest crush injuries to leg fractures and other assorted injuries.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, with the police determined to ascertain the cause of the crash. Factors such as whether alcohol or drugs played a role will be investigated. Additionally, police are working to determine the precise seating arrangements within the vehicle and other pertinent details.
