As a perpetually anxious mom, I worry every time our family piles into the car. Though I have a decent amount of faith in my driving and more so in my husband’s, it is always the other people on the road who make me super nervous. News of any car accident makes me anxious, but when even the police are baffled, my heart can’t help but sink into my stomach.
Officials in Queensland, Australia, are still trying to figure out how a fatal car crash came to be after an unnamed mom and her 10-year-old daughter died after her Toyota Land Cruiser collided with a Nissan Maxima. Her three other children, another daughter and two sons 1, 3, and 4 years old, were injured in the crash as well, according to People. The mom was declared dead at the scene, while the little girl later died at the hospital from her injuries.
Two of the other children were being treated for minor injuries, while a third remained in “critical” condition.
When it becomes baffling is that the police identified the Nissan driver as the 28-year-old mom’s partner, who was a stepfather and father to the children in the car.
Acting Superintendent Paul Austin told the Australian Broadcasting Company that authorities have taken the driver into custody but no charges have been made. He intimated, however, that domestic violence would be considered in the investigation.
“We’re looking at everything,” he said. “As you can imagine, it’s certainly a tragic event. The investigation must be methodical and comprehensive.”
Queensland Police released photos of the crash in hopes of helping piece together details of the incident.
Locals were horrified at the news and shared their condolences in the comments.
“It’s a wonder anyone survived that,” commented one concerned resident.
“Condolences to family, first responders and all involved. Just horrific. Sad for everyone concerned,” added someone else.
Now police are searching for any and all information that could help them determine the official cause of the crash.
“We appeal to anyone who may have seen these vehicles in the days or hours before Friday or may have had interactions with their occupants to contact Doomadgee or Mount Isa Police, as well as Crime Stoppers or Policelink,” Austin shared in a statement, per People. “What occurred on Friday is nothing short of a tragedy, and our officers are dedicated to thoroughly investigating what has occurred, as well as working with the Doomadgee community.”
