A Queensland family has been torn apart, after two young brothers were killed and another was left in a serious condition in hospital after a shocking crash near Dubbo in the early hours of Saturday.
The crash, on the Newell Highway, about 12 kilometres north of Dubbo, happened about 3.30am when a 4WD and a B-double truck collided.
A couple was travelling with their three children in the four-wheel drive when the collision occurred. Two boys, a nine-year-old and a 12-year-old, were found dead at the scene. A third child, a four-year-old boy with internal injuries, was flown to Westmead Children's Hospital in a serious condition.
The parents of the boys suffered minor injuries, including shock, and were taken to Dubbo Base Hospital. They were released about midday on Saturday.
Inspector Jason Pietruszka, from Orana LAC, described the accident scene as "traumatic".
"We will continue to support the family at this trying time," he said.
The parents remained at the bedside of their surviving son.
"The causes of the crash are under investigation," Inspector Pietruszka said.
The truck driver, a 53-year-old man also from Queensland, suffered serious back injuries and was flown to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.
Traffic along the Newell Highway was blocked in both directions and motorists were advised to use an alternate route, however the road reopened on Saturday evening.
The truck appeared to have come to a stop in scrub on the side of highway, close to a bridge and a significant distance away from the four-wheel drive. Tree branches were left strewn across the highway.
The NSW Police crash investigation unit travelled to the scene from Sydney to ascertain the cause and officers would prepare a report for the Coroner.
Originally published on the Daily Liberal.