BREAKING: Four children under the age of 12 killed by drunk driver whilst riding their bicycles

FOUR children have been killed in Sydney, Australia after being hit by an out-of-control four-wheel driver (4WD) whilst out riding their bicycles. The emergency services have described the incident as one of ‘total devastation and carnage.’

The children, all who are under the age of 12, were riding their bikes along Bettington Road in Oatlands, near Parramatta, at approximately 8pm on Saturday, February 1, when a Mitsubishi 4WD struck them violently outside the Oatlands Golf Club.

It is reported that the victims, understood to be from the Maronite Christian community, were three siblings and one family friend. A fifth child was also struck and is in critical condition at hospital after suffering from a head injury. Two other children, two girls aged 10 and 13, were also admitted, but in a less serious condition.

Speaking at a press conference, a NSW Ambulance spokesman said: “When the first crews arrived on scene, they were confronted with carnage. A very difficult scene with obviously a lot of chaos.”

As Euro Weekly News understands, the 29-year-old male driver, who was ordered to take a roadside breath test, produced a positive result and has subsequently been taken to Westmead Hospital for mandatory blood and urine test. Their passenger, a 24-year-old male, is also being interviewed by the police.

NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Joyce told reporters at the scene:

“It’s a tragic scene and our hearts and prayers go out to the families of those that have been touched by this incident.

“The investigation is being currently undertaken by the Crash Investigation Unit. They will process the scene tonight and continue the investigation tomorrow.

“In the circumstances we can’t provide much information to them at this stage so that’s difficult for them, but we’re trying to give them as much support as we can.

“A number of family members are at the hospital and we’re trying to help them through this really difficult time.”

NSW Police said in an earlier statement:

“Four children have been killed and a fifth is in a critical condition following a pedestrian crash in Sydney’s northwest today.

“Just before 8pm, emergency services were called to Bettington Road, Oatlands, near Parramatta, following reports multiple people had been struck by a vehicle. Police have been told children were riding bicycles when they were struck by a 4WD.

“Four children died at the scene and are yet to be formally identified. A fifth child was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a critical condition.

“The driver of the 4WD was subjected to a roadside breath test and returned a positive result. He was arrested and taken to Castle Hill Police Station for a breath analysis.

“Officers from The Hills Police Area Command have established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist police from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit. An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Inquiries continue.”