Sapphire Coast News

I know I speak for all in my community when I say we are stunned and devastated by the tragic accident on the Princes Highway at East Lynne.

On behalf of the community I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of all those involved.

This is a tragic event beyond comprehension and one that strikes to the hearts of us all.

The community in the days and months ahead will be reflecting on the lives of those lost, preying for those who continue to fight for their lives and supporting those who have to bear unimaginable grief.

I also want to thank those involved in the assistance given at the scene. In particular those brave and selfless passer bys who assisted the injured and also the professional emergency service personnel including highway patrol, paramedics and the fire service.

Many of those professional emergency service personnel deserve the highest praise for their work and they too are left scarred by events such as this.

The enormity of this accident has led many to ask how this could have been prevented.

Whilst it will be sometime before we have answers to the cause of this accident the serious concerns that have been raised by a member of one family about the state of the highway and Princes Highway lobby groups will need to be addressed.

Too many lives and injuries on this unforgiving highway should result in immediate action from government.