North Boyanup crash: Responder Matthew Connolly describes heart-wrenching attempt to revive toddler who died

A first responder to a horror double-fatal North Boyanup crash that killed a toddler and his grandmother has described the heart-wrenching moments he spent “trying to revive” the boy. Bunbury man Matthew Connolly was the second person who stopped to help after a black Ford Territory collided with a red Nissan X-trail and silver Mazda 6 sedan along South Western Highway about 2.45pm on Sunday. “I got out of my car, had no shoes on, there was debris everywhere and I had to make a decision who to help first,” Mr Connolly said. “I gave the toddler CPR immediately and continued to resuscitate him until help arrived.” The 57-year-old woman driving the seven-seater Ford and her two-year-old rear passenger however couldn’t be saved and died at the scene. A 30-year-old woman in the front seat sustained critical injuries and was taken to Bunbury Hospital, along with three other passengers — all children aged between three and 12 — who had minor injuries. The three-year-old was transferred to Perth Children’s Hospital and remains in a stable condition, while the woman and two other children are preparing to be discharged. Mr Connolly was the only responder with first aid training and had called his nurse wife to talk through assistance at the scene. He said he had never seen so many people trying to help. “The first people on the scene came together and dug deep to do everything they could until the professionals got on scene,” Mr Connolly said. “I just wanted to see if the kids were OK and let them know that we did all we could.” The crash caused the Nissan and Mazda to veer off the road and stop on the grass verge near Lilydale Road, while the Ford ended up in the middle of the highway. A 39-year-old woman driving the Mazda was airlifted by RAC Rescue helicopter to Royal Perth Hospital with critical injuries but remains in a stable condition, while her six-year-old passenger was taken to Bunbury Hospital and discharged last night. A 54-year-old woman driving the Nissan and a 74-year-old woman in the passenger seat received minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. Major Crash investigators would like to speak to anyone who saw the crash, or the three vehicles involved travelling in the area prior to the crash. Anyone with information or dash-cam vision relating to this crash is ask to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au.