Tragedy struck a school in Sydney when a mum killed two schoolchildren with reckless driving, ramming into a classroom with her car and killing two 8-year old boys.
The incident happened at Banksia Road Public School on Tuesday (7 November). The 52-year old woman driver, Maha Al-Shennag ploughed her car into a wooden classroom building with 24 students inside.
Al-Shennag, reportedly a widowed mother-of-four was dropping off her child at the school when the incident happened.
Two 8-year old boys bore the brunt of the impact and died from multiple traumas, while three young girls are still in critical condition.
Police have indicated the crash was being treated as non-intentional. The driver has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and negligent driving. Following her arrest, her license has been suspended but she is bailed to appear in court on November 29.
Image source: 9news.com.au/ screengrab
Mum kills two schoolchildren, says she’s deeply sorry for the hurt she’s caused
Nick Hanna, Al-Shennag’s lawyer, told the Sydney Daily Telegraph that she was “deeply sorry for the loss and hurt suffered by the children, the school, the families and the community”.
Banksia Road Public School remained open as usual the next day. Counsellors were present to support returning children. Distraught children left flowers and teddy bears at the school gates as tributes to the victims.
“I cannot begin to comprehend the sadness being felt by the parents and families of the two young boys who have died in the tragic accident at Banksia Road Public School,” New South Wales state Education Minister Rob Stokes said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with their families and the entire school community.”
Ambulance workers described the crime scene as “a scene of carnage”. One father said he saw them lifting the car off a dying boy.
The other badly injured boy, who later died, lay just a few feet away asking for his mum. But she wouldn’t have made it in time to see him before he died shortly after.
It was “pandemonium” and “distressing”, says NSW ambulance superintendent Stephanie Radnidge. “(Children) were crying, distressed, some were asking for their parents.”
We at theAsianparent extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those affected by this tragedies. May the families of the victims find peace knowing their precious angels are now in heaven.
Source: Channel NewsAsia