Australian woman Rebecca Olsen and son Charlie killed in US highway crash

An Australian woman and her son have been killed in a wrong-way crash in San Jose, California.

Rebecca Olsen, 47, had just picked up Charlie, 14, from school when the Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck speared head-on into their Tesla on Highway 85.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Australian woman and son killed in California crash.

It happened on Monday about 3.40pm.

Olsen, from Brisbane, and her son, who was born in the UK, had been living in America for the past 10 years.

The boy’s dad Cameron Olsen said he is still trying to comprehend the loss of Olsen and his son.

“Losing a child is the ultimate nightmare for a parent. This week has been a roller coaster of both functional and emotional elements,” he said.

“It feels like it has been weeks and I know the next few months will be hell.

“A lot of people have expressed anger at the situation - I’m not at anger yet and I may never get there.

“It feels unfair, yes. I want my son back beyond comprehension.”

His school described Charlie as an “enthusiastic” new student, “forming friendships, and eagerly engaging in his classes”.

“We are heartbroken, and yet the light in our community continues to shine,” the school said.

Police say the 39-year-old driver from Florida suffered major injuries in the crash.

Reports about the Tacoma travelling in the wrong direction down the highway had been made to police but they could not intercept the driver before the fatal smash.

California Highway Patrol officer Ross Lee said authorities are “definitely looking at felony manslaughter charges”.

“A lot is going to come down to the toxicology results - were there any prescription drugs, or alcohol or street drugs in his system?” legal expert Steven Clark said.