Eighteen-year-old girl, mum die after horrific Christmas Day car crash
A suspected drug driver allegedly responsible for the Christmas Day death of a woman and her daughter in Queensland has been freed on bail.
Two other members of the innocent family remain in hospital, as senior police were brought to tears, recounting their efforts to save lives.
Senior Sergeant Lukia Serafim was one of the first to arrive at the Manly West crash scene just after 11am on Monday and spent Christmas trying to save 18-year-old Makayla Tritton's life.
The 18-year-old could not be saved and died at the scene, her 56-year-old mother Karin died in hospital overnight.
"As a wife, and a parent, away from being a police officer, it was very very difficult to deal with," Senior Sergeant Serafim said.
Road Policing Command Superintendent David Johnson said the accident was "quite cutting and upsetting for all of us".
"A number of officers were crying when I spoke to them," Superintendent Johnson said.
Makayla, her parents and sister had a carload of Christmas presents and were on a way to a family lunch.
Driving in the opposite direction was 46-year-old Mark Veneris.
Police allege he crossed the median strip, taking out a tree before slamming head-on into the family's car.
Residents from nearby homes left their own Christmas celebrations to help.
"Providing some shelter, and also assisting with CPR under the direction of an amazing, pregnant doctor who had turned up on scene," Senior Sergeant Serafim said of their efforts.
The driver, 23-year-old Tarmeka and her dad Laurence were rushed to hospital in a serious condition.
They are expected to make a full recovery.
Veneris has been charged over the deaths.
Police allegedly found a warm glass pipe in his car.
Officers have also alleged that Veneris told bystanders right after the crash that he was addicted to drugs and alcohol.
He was granted bail at a hospital bedside hearing on Tuesday.
The family's relatives went to the scene after calling to find out why they were late for Christmas lunch.
"It is something which will be etched in their minds forever and a day, as it will be in our minds," Superintendent Johnson said.
Police said both vehicles are due to be inspected.
Investigators have also asked members of the public to submit any dashcam or CCTV footage of the minutes leading up to the tragedy.
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