Four dead in horror country crash

Five siblings aged between 16 and 26 have been left orphaned after a horror crash near Dubbo killed their parents and two teenagers.

Emergency services were called to the Newell Hwy about 9.20pm on Saturday to discover a van and a ute had collided on the interstate road link, about 30km from Dubbo.

Graham and Sue Tait, both 57, were travelling in their van when they were killed in the crash.

The husband and wife had strong ties in the community, with Ms Tait working as a “beloved” teacher and assistant director of Parkes Early Childhood Centre while Mr Tait worked as a “well respected and experienced coach driver”.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the couple’s five “beautiful” children, Bernadette, Jessica, Katherine, Alec and Felicity.

“They will be greatly missed by their children, friends and family,” the fundraiser stated.

Since it was launched, the drive has generated $27,000, which is more than double the $11,000 target.

A fundraiser has also been established for best friends Lochie Jacobs, 18, and Joey Urban, 19, who also died at the scene.

“Lochie and Joey were two great mates who were full of good times, love, and laughter,” the GoFundMe set up for the the teens’ families stated.

“Their outgoing and vibrant personalities lit up every single room they walked into.

“You couldn’t help but smile and have a good time when they were around.

“The passing of these two men has affected so many in the community, and how significantly they will both be missed cannot be accurately expressed in words.”

The GoFundMe will be split between the Jacobs and Urban families to help cover funeral costs.

“Unfortunately, funerals come at a great expense, and the last thing these grieving families need is to worry about the cost of giving these boys the send off that they truly deserve,” the fundraiser stated.

“Joey and Lochie, may you both Rest In Peace. Taken from us far too soon.

“In a time of such sadness and immense loss, it is important to remember how lucky we all are to have known and loved these two boys. We know that their spirit will live on forever through their friends and family.”

The fundraiser for the two mates has already raised more than $39,000 at the time of publishing.

NSW Police said officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District attended the scene on Saturday and found a Toyota Hilux and a Toyota Hiace van had collided.

“Two men who were in the utility – aged 19 and 18 – and a man and a woman, who were in the van – both aged 57 – all died at the scene,” a NSW Police spokesman said.

A 23-year-old man who was driving the ute was taken to Dubbo Hospital with suspected leg injuries.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

“Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the crash,” the police spokesman said.

The Newell Highway was closed in both directions for several hours between Tomingley and Dubbo.

The crash take the state’s road toll to 248 this year.