Moonbi fatal crash: tributes for three-year-old boy killed in crash on New England Highway at Moonbi, near Tamworth, as investigations continue

Tributes have flooded social media for the three-year-old boy, who died at the scene of the ute accident on the New England Highway, north of Moonbi.

On Monday, friends and family remembered the smiling and happy little boy who was taken too soon, after his tragic and shock death at the weekend.

His 24-year-old father suffered minor physical injuries in the crash, which occurred near the Moonbi lookout intersection about 4.20pm.

Despite frantic efforts by emergency services, the little boy suffered critical injuries and died at the scene.

Ambulance NSW confirmed eight paramedic crews, plus the Westpac Rescue Helicopter with a doctor and trauma paramedic on board, were deployed to the crash scene.

The boy’s father was taken to Tamworth hospital by road ambulance in a stable condition on Sunday night. 

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Crash investigators are trying to piece together why the south-bound Great Wall utility left the highway, and struck trees and the boulders on the side of the road.

The wet weather, storms and road conditions at the time of the crash will form part of the investigation into the cause, along with a mechanical examination of the wreckage. 

The wreckage was towed from the scene after officers spent hours combing the road as part of the investigation on Sunday night.

The traffic and highway patrol command, which is leading the investigation, declined to comment on Monday, except to confirm inquiries were continuing and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

The shock death – just over a week out from Christmas – is one of several tragedies police have referred to in warnings ahead of the double-demerit festive break.

On Monday, police and the federal government launched the Australian Road Safety Foundation’s Christmas road safety campaign.

“This campaign has 91 stockings representing people killed in road crashes across Australia during the three-week Christmas holiday period last year, including 52 people who lost their lives over the 12-day Christmas period from 23 December 2017,” Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said.

“One road death is one too many. So it is important we all remember to take our time, share the driving and drive safely to make sure we get to and from Christmas holidays safely over the next few weeks.”