“Just awful”: Waleed Aly shares emotional plea for Buxton crash survivor
Waleed Aly has called for empathy to be directed towards Tyrell Edwards, the 18-year-old sole survivor of a car crash that killed five teens in Sydney’s southwest.
As the local community of Picton and Buxton mourn the five victims, all aged between 14 and 16 and students at the local Picton High School, Aly said Edwards also deserved compassion.
“We shouldn’t forget the survivor and I’m not at all commenting on the criminal side,” he said on Wednesday’s episode of The Project.
“Imagine what he will have to live with and in a small community as well. Every aspect of this in every direction is just awful.”
Fellow Project panellist Rachel Corbett said the crash showed how important conversations around safe driving were for parents to have with their children.
“Nobody wants to go through this,” she said.
Lisa Wilkinson acknowledged the heartbreak of the families and friends of the teens and thanked the police and paramedics who attended the scene.
“To all of those first responders who would have seen this, our continued thanks for what they do every day and especially in moments like this,” Wilkinson said.
“I don’t know what to say, five families are heartbroken and there’s groups of schoolkids who won’t get over this.”
Edwards, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, has since been charged with five counts of dangerous driving occasioning death.
After being taken to Narellan Police Station, Edwards was refused bail. He is due to appear in local court on Thursday.
“As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue, police are appealing for anyone with dashcam or social media footage to come forward,” police said in a statement.
Picton High School has offered additional counselling for students and staff, offering its “deepest condolences” to the families affected.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and friends of the young people who lost their lives,” the school said in a statement.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet also acknowledged the families, taking the time at the start of a session of budget estimates on Wednesday.
“Just acknowledging the tragedy that occurred overnight, and on behalf of the people of NSW, my condolences to all the families and friends of the five children who passed away,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our hearts go out to them at this very difficult time, and I’m sure I share with all members today our thoughts and prayers.”
Images: The Project / Facebook