'Confronting scenes': Devastated police officer fights back tears after four kids killed
One of NSW’s top cops has choked back tears after describing a crash which killed four young children in Sydney’s northwest.
Four kids were killed after they were hit by a car while walking along a footpath in Oatlands on Saturday night.
It is understood the children were on their way to buy ice cream when the group of seven was allegedly hit by a 4WD after it mounted the kerb just before 8pm.
Three of the children killed, aged 13, 12 and 8, were said to be siblings and the other child a member of their extended family.
A fifth child was hospitalised in a critical condition.
The driver of the car, a 29-year-old man, has been charged with 20 offences, including manslaughter and high-range drink-driving.
Asst Comm Corboy said police believe they “have a very strong case in relation to the charges”.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy fought back tears on Sunday as he spoke to reporters about the tragic crash.
“Generally, if I could say – as far as the driving is concerned, as far as any driving is concerned, I'd like to send the message out today that drink-driving, speeding, poor behaviour on the roads, will not be tolerated,” Asst Comm Corboy said.
“Tragedies do occur, but in my time in policing, this is one of the most tragic involving young children dying in a very tragic circumstance.
“It is hard to imagine the grief that the family is going through at the moment.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Joyce commended those who attended the scene on Saturday night.
“I can't imagine what those families are going through, to be confronted by this sort of situation, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those families that have been involved in this incident,” he told reporters.
‘I’m numb’
The heartbroken father of the three siblings, Daniel Abdallah, told reporters the other child who died was the daughter of his cousin.
“I don’t know what to say, I’m numb,” he told reporters.
Mr Abdallah described his son as “a very handsome boy” who enjoyed playing basketball.
"Actually he woke up that morning and said, 'We're going to play this game for Kobe',” he said.
He added one daughter was his “little helper” and the other "my little diva, little actress".
"They have gone to a better place," he said.
On Sunday the mum of the three siblings was spotted at the scene of the crash while many flocked to leave tributes.
A woman comforted her as she grieved for her children.
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