Caitlyn Bragger, 15, lost her life in a devastating crash involving a four-wheel drive near Logue Brook Dam in Western Australia’s South West region on Saturday evening. Another young passenger sustained severe injuries in the incident.
Authorities report that a 16-year-old boy was operating the Toyota LandCruiser when it overturned on Scarp Road in Hoffman, just north of Harvey, around 8 p.m. The group of six teenagers had reportedly been camping in the nearby area known as Lake Brockman before the accident occurred.
Witnesses at the campsite recalled hearing a loud crash followed by cries for help. Several bystanders, including teens named Jett, Rocquo, Macy, and Kane, rushed to provide aid.
Jett described the vehicle as completely crumpled, likening it to a crushed tin can. He said despite many people trying to assist, the situation felt overwhelming.
Rocquo shared that they managed to remove a back door to free one of the male passengers, but they were shaken to see the front of the vehicle badly crushed. “We tried lifting the roof and helping everyone out, but there was very little we could do,” he said.
The friends expressed hope that this tragedy would remind young drivers of the importance of being cautious on the roads.
Four other teenagers involved in the crash – the 16-year-old driver, a 17-year-old male, and two 16-year-old girls – were transported to Bunbury Regional Hospital. One remains in serious condition while the others are stable. An 18-year-old male was taken to Harvey Regional Hospital separately.
Emergency crews confirmed that one person was trapped inside the wreckage and had to be rescued by volunteer firefighters. Tree branches were found flattened where the vehicle left the road and rolled over, and shards of glass littered the crash site.
In Western Australia, drivers must be at least 17 to obtain their provisional license. Sixteen-year-olds may only drive with a learner’s permit and must be supervised by a fully licensed driver.
Police continue to investigate the crash and are urging anyone with dash cam footage from the Hoffman area to come forward. This incident contributes to the state’s grim road toll, which now stands at 85 – the highest year-to-date figure in over ten years. GoFundMe
