An 18-year-old man has been charged after five teenagers died in a crash in Buxton, in Sydney’s south-west.
Police arrested Tyrell Edwards Wednesday afternoon after he was released from the hospital after suffering non-life-threatening injuries when the Nissan he was driving left the road and crashed into a tree around 7.50pm on Tuesday.
Shortly after 10pm on Wednesday, police said an 18-year-old man had been charged with “five counts of dangerous driving causing death – dangerous driving”.
Tyrell Edwards was behind the wheel in a crash that killed five of his friends. (Facebook)
He was refused bail and will appear in Picton Local Court on Thursday.
Fifteen-year-old Lily van de Putte was killed at the scene, along with two 14-year-old girls, a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy.
The other victims cannot be named for legal reasons.
They were all students at the local Picton High School.
Lily Van De Putte died in the accident in Buxton. (Supplied)
Wollondilly Shire Mayor Matt Gould said today that the deaths had had a profound impact on the community.
“There are a lot of people across the county who are hurting. In particular, some of our youngest children,” he said.
“A lot of kids have a hard time processing it. They just need some space.”
Gould urged people to take advantage of the “extra support” offered through the institute and the council.
“We’re doing, can you see behind me today a BBQ for RU OK? Dia,” he said.
“We’re inviting anyone in the community who wants to come and have a free breakfast and chat.”
Grieving members of the community place flowers at the base of a tree where 5 people died in a motor vehicle accident last night on East Parade in Buxton, NSW. 7th September 2022. Photo: Kate Geraghty (Kate Geraghty) A framed photo with a halo over a girl’s head is placed at the base of a tree where 5 people died in a motor vehicle accident last night at East Parade in Buxton, NSW. 7 September 2022. Photo: Kate Geraghty (Kate Geraghty)
Earlier NSW Police Acting Detective Inspector Jason Hogan said Edwards had returned a negative breathalyzer test at the scene but the results of his mandatory tests were still coming in.
The driver is believed to have been on his green P plates.
Police previously said the Nissan Navara was only a four-seater.