AMount Gambier child has died and another is in a critical condition after a crash near Nangwarry on Sunday.
Emergency services were called to the Riddoch Highway after reports of a three-car crash about five kilometres south of Nangwarry at 2.40pm.
A black Holden sedan collided with an emu, with no injuries suffered by the female driver and sole occupant.
A grey Toyota station wagon braked to avoid the collision, while a white Nissan ute crashed into the rear of the Toyota.
Sadly, a five-year-old boy who was a passenger in the Toyota died at the scene, while another passenger, a 15-year-old girl was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
The driver of the Toyota, a 42-year-old man and three other passengers, a 46-year-old woman, a 13-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy were taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries. All of the occupants of the Toyota were from Mount Gambier
The driver of the Nissan, a 22-year-old man from Worrolong, was not injured but taken to hospital as a precaution.
Major Crash officers attended the scene to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
The boy’s death was the 71st life lost on South Australian roads this year.
A gofundme page has been set up for the family, who The SE Voice has chosen not to name, with donations able to be made via this link.
The fundraiser’s organiser Tara Button said the family had already been doing it tough before the accident.
“I feel hopeless as a friend and can only do so much for them. I hate asking for money but I need to do something to help them with all the unexpected costs while they heal and grieve,” she said.
“All I can do is ask for people to offer their love, healing and if possible a little money just to help. I know anything will be greatly appreciated by them and by myself.”