Two young children have died after a car struck a pram in Sydney’s south-west, despite desperate rescue efforts by witnesses who rushed to the scene.
The tragedy unfolded about 3.15pm on Wednesday at the intersection of Gilbert Street and the Cumberland Highway in Cabramatta. The children, aged one and five, were seated in a pram when they were hit by an SUV.
Witnesses and motorists immediately sprang into action, with several people working together to tip the vehicle onto its side to free one of the trapped children. Others assisted with CPR while waiting for emergency crews to arrive.
Paramedics treated both children at the scene before they were rushed to hospital in critical condition. Tragically, both later died from their injuries.
A 33-year-old woman believed to be known to the children suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The 56-year-old driver of the vehicle was uninjured and was taken for mandatory testing as part of the investigation.
NSW Police described the actions of the bystanders as “phenomenal” and said the incident was one of the most confronting scenes officers had encountered involving young children.
A crime scene has been established and investigators are working to determine exactly how the crash occurred. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
