Queensland family mourns the loss of two children after dam crash
The Queensland family in a crash that killed two children and left a third fighting for his life have been identified.
Dylan Wadley, 23, and his fiance, Mel Martin 33, and their five-week-old daughter Hope survived after their Land Rover with four children on board crashed through a guardrail and became submerged on its roof in Wyaralong Dam near Beaudesert south-west of Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.
Ms Martin's son Leo Larsen, 13, and daughter Mia, 4, both died.
Their one-year-old son Ace is fighting for life in hospital.
Leo Larsen, Mia, and Ace 9News
Mia and sister Hope 9News
Dylan Wadley, 23, and his fiance, Mel Martin 33, were in their Land Rover with four children when it crashed. Facebook
Police say the family was travelling from Pimpama to Pratten, near Warrick, when the crash occurred on a relatively straight section of road in a 100km/h zone.
"The vehicle appears to have veered to the left and struck a three-strand wire road barrier before travelling across the road onto the opposite side and collided again with the barrier there," Inspector Doug McDonald said.
"The vehicle has subsequently rolled down a stone embankment and came to rest on its roof in a semi-submerged position in the Wyaralong Dam."
Two children killed after car crashes into Queensland dam. Twitter
A helicopter at the scene of the crash. Nine
The car was removed from the dam on Sunday night and will now undergo forensic testing and a mechanical inspection.
Police say investigations into the cause of the crash are still at an early stage.
"Alcohol doesn't appear on initial investigations to be a factor but we keep an open mind in relation to all the fatal five, and in particular, people travelling long distances," Inspector McDonald said.
"Fatigue is a real big killer on our roads, and that's certainly part of our investigation for this matter."
Detectives are appealing for anyone who was travelling along Beaudesert-Boonah Road on Sunday about 2pm to come forward.
Mel Martin and Dylan Wadley 9News
Ms Martin and Mr Wadely have undergone surgery for leg and pelvic injuries — they are otherwise in good health, but coming to terms with the loss of two beloved children.
Ace is still in a critical condition.
Ace Wadley 9News
Mia, Ace and Leo 9News
Pratten local Diane Lawlor told 9News she was "devastated".
"I'm really— it's a bit hard to say."
She said the small community will be doing what they can to help the family.
"Certainly we'll be handing round the hat to help this family and do what we can."
Leo's high school has offered support to his friends and classmates.
The scene of the tragic crash. 9News
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