Mount Gambier man charged over fatal crash triggered by emu in Nangwarry, South Australia
A 22-year-old man has been charged over a horrific multi-car crash in South Australia’s southeast which killed two children.
Five-year-old Isaac Eykelenburg and his 15-year-old sister Keziah Eykelenburg were passengers in a Toyota station wagon being driven on the Riddoch Hwy in Nangwarry about 2.40pm on Sunday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Horror crash involving emu claims second life.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Their father, chef Chris Eykelenburg, had braked to avoid a collision with a black Holden sedan that had hit an emu.
Their car was then hit from behind by a white Nissan ute.
Isaac died at the scene while his sister was flown to Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition. She died overnight, with her family by her bedside.
The female Holden driver, the sole occupant of the car, was uninjured.
The Nissan driver, a 22-year-old man from Mount Gambier, also avoided injury but was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Police confirmed he has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing harm by dangerous driving.
The accused was refused bail and will appear in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Keziah’s school described the Year 9 student as “respectful and courteous”.
“She was a kind, quiet student with a lovely smile who always gave things a go,” Grant High School principal Caroline Davey told 7NEWS.
“Respectful and courteous, she has a circle of very close friends who will miss her dearly.
“As a school, we are wrapping our arms around this family, and those who are close to them.”
The crash occurred near the South Australia-Victoria border.
Their father, 42-year-old Chris, mother Paula, 46, and other siblings, a 13-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy, were taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
An online fundraiser launched to support the family has raised more than $68,000, with the target adjusted following news of Keziah’s death.
“Your kindness means the world to (the family), and they are deeply touched by the outpouring of love,” campaign organiser Tara Button said.
Originally published on 7NEWS
