Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
UK tourist charged over fatal NSW crash
A 20-year-old British tourist has been charged following the death of 16-year-old girl in a crash on the NSW mid-north coast.
September 29, 2017
A 20-year-old British backpacker has been charged with causing a crash on the NSW Pacific Highway that killed a teenage girl on school holidays with her family.
The 16-year-old victim, named in media as Jade Finn, from the Hunter region, was travelling with her family near Port Macquarie on Thursday when the British man allegedly pulled out from the verge in his van at Herons Creek and collided with their car.
The teenager was thrown from the car as it rolled several times and she died at the scene.
The 37-year-old female driver and a nine-year-old girl were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital with fractures and are believed to be in a stable condition.
The remaining family members – a 20-year-old man, a 40-year-old woman and two boys aged 15 and six – were taken to Port Macquarie Hospital as a precaution.
Facebook tributes have been flowing for Jade, with friends describing her as “gorgeous” and a “beautiful girl”.
The 20-year-old British tourist at the wheel and his passenger, a 20-year-old man, weren’t hurt in the smash.
He’s been charged with negligent driving causing death and not giving way, and is due to appear in Port Macquarie Local Court on Friday.