In a heart-wrenching incident in Australia, a family is mourning the tragic loss of their two young children, who were fatally struck by a vehicle while their mother was picking them up from school. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 17, just after 3 p.m. local time. Sok Ram, aged 33, had just collected her five-year-old daughter Katherine from school, pushing her one-year-old son Harry in a stroller when the family was hit by an SUV.
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Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene, where both children received immediate medical attention from New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance paramedics. They were subsequently transported to hospital in critical condition but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, their mother suffered only minor injuries in the incident.
The driver of the SUV, described as a 56-year-old man, was also taken to hospital for mandatory testing but was found to be uninjured. Following the incident, he was released by the police without charge, as investigations into the circumstances continue.
In a deeply emotional interview with 9News, Ram expressed her overwhelming grief, stating, “I wish it hit me and not my babies.” She recounted the tragic scene, expressing disbelief at the loss, as she reflected on efforts from bystanders who tried to save the young children. “Everyone tried to save them but … they’re not alive, they’re not alive. I can’t believe it,” she lamented.
Ram’s husband, Vundy Tha, recounted fond memories of their children, sharing that Katherine loved painting and reading, while Harry had recently taken his first steps. He spoke of Katherine’s upcoming award ceremony at school, which she would sadly not attend. In an act of remarkable compassion amid their grief, Tha stated, “I forgive the driver. No one wants to kill the kids.”
As the family processes this unimaginable tragedy, Ram made an urgent plea to all drivers, asking them to exercise greater caution on the roads and to be vigilant of their surroundings. “Please be careful. Look clearly,” she urged.
Community support has poured in, as a GoFundMe page established to assist the family has raised over $163,000 within just 24 hours. The fundraiser’s organiser, Patrick Te, highlighted the devastating impact this loss has had and emphasised the long road ahead for the grieving family. In a touching message, he urged others to cherish every moment with loved ones, stating, “Please kiss and hold your kids tight. Cherish every moment, because time with them is never promised.”
Te conveyed that Ram and Tha have been “deeply grateful and completely overwhelmed” by the outpouring of love and support from the community during this tragic time. The incident has not only devastated the family but has also shaken the local community, prompting a reflection on road safety and the importance of vigilance around schools.
Superintendent Timothy Calman, speaking to reporters after the incident, described the scene as one of the most distressing he had encountered, particularly given the involvement of young children. Witnesses reported multiple motorists assisting at the scene, with some helping to lift the vehicle off one of the children and performing CPR.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the community stands united in grief, and the family remains in the thoughts and prayers of many as they navigate this profound loss.