A mother and her two-year-old son have been killed and her four-month-old baby is fighting for life after their car smashed into a cement truck.
Katrina Sila, 34, and her two-year-old son Kai Prahastono died when the mum’s SUV veered across the Hume Motorway at Menangle Park, south west of Sydney, and careered into the path of the truck at about 11.20am on Monday.
Ms Sila’s tiny daughter Ivy was plucked from the wreckage and is now in a critical condition at Westmead Children’s Hospital.
Katrina Sila and her son Kai died in the crash, while her daughter Ivy is fighting for life
The family car was crushed in the horror crash. Picture: 7News
It is not clear why the family’s SUV suddenly turned into oncoming traffic.
The truck driver was not injured and will undergo mandatory testing.
Ms Sila’s husband discovered his family had been in a crash when his Apple Watch alerted him to their sudden change in movement, 7 News reported.
“We are heartbroken to announce the sad passing of Katrina Sila and son Kai … a loving daughter, mother, devoted wife, sister and friend to many,” a family statement said.
An Islamic prayer group also announced Ms Sila and Kai’s death.
“With great shock and heavy hearts, we announce our beloved sister and her son have returned to their creator, after being involved in a tragic accident yesterday involving a cement truck on the freeway,” it wrote.
“She was such a beautiful soul and loved by many!
“Please keep her baby in your(prayers, who’s currently in hospital in a critical condition. May Allah grant this baby a swift full recovery.”
Ms Sila with her husband. Picture: Facebook
Devastating pictures from the scene show how the family car was crushed in the high-speed crash.
“It is hard to think anybody did survive that wreckage – such a tragic and high-speed incident,” said paramedic Mark Gibbs, from Ambulance NSW.
He added that the car seat had likely saved little Ivy’s life.
The crash is being investigated and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.