Gooseberry Hill crash: 16yo boy killed in car rollover, two other teens injured in hospital

A 16-year-old boy has died and two other teenagers are seriously injured in hospital after a “horrible and tragic” car rollover in Perth’s east. Police say the teenager was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla being driven by a 17-year-old boy when it left the road, rolled several times and then came to a stop when it hit a tree about 8.40pm on Wednesday. The driver and a second passenger, who is 18 years old, both suffered critical injuries and were airlifted by the RAC Rescue helicopter to Royal Perth Hospital. Meantime, the 16-year-old was rushed to St John of God Midland Hospital but sadly died of his injuries a short time later. The condition of the two survivors had improved on Thursday, with a RPH spokeswoman confirming both considered to be stable. Residents who live near the crash scene on Williams Street have described being confronted with the tragic scene. One resident — who did not want to be named — described hearing a woman — believed to be one of the boy’s mothers — scream and wail when she arrived at the wreckage. She said she was doing yoga when she heard a car accelerate and hit a curb, followed by a loud bang. “About ten locals were immediately on scene doing what they could, they were amazing, they lifted the driver out,” she said. “I heard an awful wailing and screaming, it was absolutely heartbreaking … I think it was one of their mums. “It breaks my heart. You can just see the chain of events. At one point they were three happy kids and then their lives are instantly changed forever.” She said that police and forensics remained at the scene until she went to sleep about 2am. Another nearby resident — who was one of the first to arrive at the scene — said she held one of the injured teens as if he was “one of her own”. “They were calling out for help,” she said “I got here and the boy in the back was most injured so we just went to him straight away. “My son pulled him back against the seat, so he did have a seat belt on. He opened his airway and I supported the back of his head. “The boy in the back was unconscious the whole time, we just reassured him and waited for the ambulance and crew to arrive. “It was very sad, a horrible situation … I held him as if he was mine, it was a very sad night.” Chalk marks could be seen on the road, that lead to a slight bend into a strip of bush to a debarked tree. Local Harry O’Reilly came to lay a wreath of flowers at the tree on Thursday morning. He said he heard a loud bang, and someone scream for help before he rushed to the scene to find the car on its side against a tree. “There were three other people here as well, they were all helping out basically,” he said. “Three of the boys were badly trapped in the car. One boy I spoke to, I believe he was the driver, was quite upset too, he didn’t know what happened, he couldn’t remember. “But he was a nice kid. Mr O’Reilly said they managed to free the 17-year-old driver out of the wreckage. “He was obviously very upset about his mates,” he said. “The driver had a broken leg and the guys in the car were injured pretty badly.” Another resident — who did not wish to be named — said she had been at the theatre at the time of the crash, but was “horrified” to come home and find out what happened. “It’s dreadful isn’t it,” she said. “We’re absolutely horrified … there were police cars, ambulance, the road was blocked off. “It’s just awful to think you’re out there having a good time and someone’s lost their son.” Premier Roger Cook said the death of any teenager in a motor vehicle accident was “horrible and tragic”. “We know that these kids are looking forward to the future. And just as a result of a split-second decision, lack of control, they can lose their lives,” Mr Cook said. “It’s just another reminder to, please, everyone out there that gets behind the wheel of a car to think about the consequences. “ “Think about your safety. Think about the safety of others.” Major Crash investigators are urging anyone with any information relating to this crash, or who saw the blue Toyota Corolla hatchback travelling in the area prior to the crash, to contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au. Dash-cam or mobile phone vision relating to this crash can be uploaded directly to investigators via this link. If you or anyone you know has been affected by a road crash, contact Road Trauma Support WA on 1300 004 814