An Orange couple who had just landed at Sydney airport after an overseas holiday were heartbroken when told their two daughters had been killed in a car accident near Bathurst on the way to pick them up at the airport.
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The sisters, whose names have yet to be officially released by police, had taken the day off and were driving to Sydney to collect their parents when the crash occurred on the outskirts of Bathurst.
The women, aged 20 and 17, were killed instantly when their Nissan Maxima collided head-on with a Toyota Hiace, seven kilometres from Orange at 8.40am.
The 17-year-old was a student at Orange High School, and yesterday senior staff had the terrible job of speaking to staff and students.
The 20-year-old worked in the Orange retail industry.
Understandably, the parents are devastated. They are known as a compassionate couple, whose professional lives centre around helping others.
Their daughters were heavily involved in the theatre and cultural community.
The occupants of the Hiace, both women aged 22 and 23, incredibly survived the crash and suffered only minor injuries.
They were transported by ambulance to Orange Base Hospital, but after undergoing treatment were released yesterday afternoon.
The Mitchell Highway was completely closed after the accident, as crash investigators examined the scene trying to piece together the cause of tragedy.
Road diversions were put in place by the RTA. Traffic was diverted via Blayney, the Mitchell Highway remaining closed late into the afternoon.
Chifley Local Area Command’s crime manager, Inspector Lance McFawn said investigators were looking at whether weather conditions may have contributed to the crash; oil deposits on the road combined with yesterday’s rain may have been a factor.
Inspector McFawn was able to confirm speed had been ruled out.
“Crash scene investigators have attended the site and a crime scene has been established,” he said.
“Investigators remain at the scene continuing their enquiries.”
Inspector McFawn described the crash as an ‘absolute tragedy’.
“It’s just devastating ... for their parents, family and the community,” he said.
Anyone with information about the circumstances surrounding the collision is asked to contact Bathurst police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
