According to court documents, the driver of a horrific crash that killed five teenagers survived because he was the only passenger wearing a seatbelt.
Tyrell Edwards, 18, who was charged with five counts of reckless driving resulting in death, was the only person wearing a seatbelt when the Nissan Navara pickup crashed into a tree on Tuesday night on East Parade in the small town of Buxton.
Police allege that the P-plate driver was traveling at “high speed” when he crashed into “two enormous trees” 100 kilometers southwest of Sydney, severing the vehicle in two.
Lily van de Putte, 15, Antonio Desisto, 15, Summer Williams, 14, Tyrese Bechard, 16, and Gabby McLennan, 14, were all killed while wearing their school uniforms at Picton High School.
Police court filings read, “Four passengers were ejected from the rear of the vehicle and located a short distance away, trapped by confinement.”
The terrible case’s latest development comes as the bereaved parents of the alleged victims begin the excruciating process of burying their loved ones.
Tyrell Edwards, 18, was the only passenger in the Nissan Navara pickup that crashed into a tree on Buxton’s East Parade on Tuesday night who was wearing a seatbelt.
The relatives of the five alleged victims begin making arrangements to say goodbye to their loved ones (pictured, family members visit the crash site)
John Van De Putte, the distraught father of Lily, expressed his desire to have his ‘baby girl’ sent away as quickly as possible.
“We just want it to be over with… The funeral will be a celebration of her life, but we simply want it over with,’ he told the Daily Telegraph.
The revelation is made just days after Mr. Van De Putte demanded drastic reforms to P-plate legislation that would prohibit drivers from carrying passengers.
Additionally, the Buxton father has requested that drivers be at least 20 years old in order to operate a motor wheel.
Tyrese Bechard’s aunt, Maria Ma, stated that her mother reared the adolescent since he was a newborn, after she lost her own daughter to a heroin overdose.
The fatal crash has worsened her mental and financial difficulties.
Ms. Ma noted that the teenagers were on their way to McDonald’s when their vehicle crashed and stated that the woman is in dire straits financially.
Tuesday night, Lily Van De Putte, 15, was one of five adolescents killed when their car collided with a tree. John, her father, has stated that he wants her burial to conclude as quickly as possible.
Summer William (left) and Tyrese Bechard (right) were two of five passengers killed in the horrific crash, with police claiming that four of them were ejected from the vehicle’s rear.
It is believed that the party had spent several hours traveling around together.
Edwards remains in custody after being denied bail by the Picton Local Court via video link on Thursday.
In handcuffs, he was transported in a prison van to the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre in Silverwater.
Before the collision, he allegedly filmed himself on Snapchat aggressively turning the steering wheel and swerving at 90 kilometers per hour.
Antonio Desisto was one of the five teenagers tragically killed in the crash.
On Thursday, Exaven Desisto, the father of victim Antonio, wept outside of court.
The sole survivor of the crash, 18-year-old driver Tyrell Edwards, has been charged with five counts of causing death by reckless driving.
Police will also allege that a witness heard Edwards say, “I f***ed up, I’m going to jail” after the horrific crash.
During his bail hearing on Thursday, the court heard that Edwards had previously committed speeding violations that resulted in the suspension of his license twice.
Exaven Desisto, the father of 16-year-old Antonio, wept in the courtroom when the case of Edwards was brought up.
Outside, the distraught father embraced police officers and told the Daily Mail Australia and other media that his son was his “best friend.”
He never actually left my side. I had a few close friends, but my son was my best buddy,’ he remarked, visibly overcome with emotion.
“We did everything together, I raised him, and he was the happiest, most modest child.” He used to pray prior to every meal he consumed.
He stated, “I have to visit my son in a f***ing morgue.”
Tuesday night, 100 kilometers southwest of Sydney, a horrific crash claimed the lives of five teens.
Outside of court, the distraught father embraced police officers and referred to his son as his “best friend.”
Mr. Desisto stated that individuals responsible must be held responsible for their acts.
According to court records, police will allege that film from inside the car capturing the kids minutes before the crash.
Approximately an hour before the crash, surveillance footage allegedly shows Edwards holding his phone while rotating the steering wheel forcefully.
According to court documents, loud music can also be heard, with passengers laughing as the vehicle veered at 90 km/h.
One male allegedly stated, ‘Cuz, we’re about to spin out’
According to witnesses, the vehicle was traveling at “high speeds” and on the wrong side of the road prior to the collision.
Back in Buxton, friends, family, and classmates continue to grieve for the five teenagers killed in the horror film.
Thursday during Tyrell Edwards’ first court appearance in Picton, in Sydney’s south-west, a sizable gathering of supporters were present.
Edwards reportedly was unable to extricate himself from the collision, while another victim was trapped in the passenger seat.
Edwards allegedly told police during an interview that the steering wheel began’shaking’ and he lost control of the vehicle.
He claimed he was unable to control the vehicle and tried to apply the brakes without success. The police allege that roadside evidence from the crime scene contradicts his account.
In addition, the driver allegedly stated he only knew four passengers and had no idea when the fifth one joined the car.
Edwards appeared emotionless in court via video link while wearing a black sweatshirt and clasping his hands together.
The court heard that he acquired his provisional license in February of last year, but has since had it suspended twice for speeding violations.
Wednesday morning, friends of the five students killed on Tuesday visited the crash site.
Magistrate Mark Douglass stated that the decision to refuse bail was “not made lightly,” but he considered Edwards’ driving record.
Mr. Douglass stated, “Given the egregious breach of trust and the flagrant violation of court laws that police allege occurred, this court has little confidence that this person will comply with any bail conditions established at this time, given the history I’ve outlined.”
The court heard that Edwards, a laborer, has a history of anxiousness and that the encounter left him “traumatized.”