Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley has described Saturday’s crash as a “preventable” tragedy, urging motorists to drive carefully over the long weekend.
Speaking after the incident, Ms Catley said a momentary decision had caused devastation in the community.
“A split-second decision can change so many people’s lives, and that is what has happened here today in our town,” she said.
“We’ve started Saturday morning with this devastation, and no one can turn back the clock now. It is an absolute tragedy, a tragedy that needn’t have happened. A tragedy that was preventable.”
With thousands of motorists expected to travel to Sydney for Sunday’s NRL grand final and during the long weekend, Ms Catley called on drivers to take responsibility for their behaviour on the road.
“When you are driving, you have to keep the people in your car safe, and you have to keep pedestrians and other motorists safe,” she said. “It’s your responsibility.”
