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Incident Overview
A crash in Shepparton East, Victoria, in October 2023 has resulted in the death of a young girl and an unborn child. The driver responsible, Chrystle Olivia Kemp, has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges. The case has brought attention to the issue of whether unborn children should be recognized as victims in such circumstances.
Location and Time
The crash occurred on October 20, 2023, at the intersection of Old Dookie Road and Boundary Road in Shepparton East, Victoria.
Vehicles Involved
Three vehicles were involved in the collision: a four-wheel-drive driven by Chrystle Kemp, a car driven by Elodie Aldridge, and a third vehicle whose occupants were not seriously injured.
Crash Description
Chrystle Kemp failed to obey two stop signs and drove through an intersection at 50 kph, colliding with two other vehicles. Kemp claims to have no memory of the incident, and there is no evidence of phone use, drug use, or speeding.
Injuries/Fatalities
Kemp’s five-year-old niece, Savannah, who was not properly restrained in a booster seat, died from injuries sustained in the crash. Elodie Aldridge, who was 34 weeks pregnant, lost her unborn son, Remi, and suffered severe injuries.
Emergency Response
Emergency services responded to the scene, and those injured were transported to the hospital. Elodie Aldridge underwent emergency surgery.
Investigation
Police investigated the crash, leading to charges of dangerous driving against Chrystle Kemp.
Witnesses/Appeals
The report does not mention any specific appeals for witnesses.
Community Impact
The crash has had a devastating impact on the families involved. Savannah’s mother expressed her grief and anger at her sister’s negligence. The Aldridge family is mourning the loss of their unborn son and advocating for legal changes to recognize unborn children as victims in such cases.
Contributing Factors
Driver inattention appears to be the primary contributing factor to the crash. Chrystle Kemp failed to stop at two stop signs, leading to the collision.