A driver charged over a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two young siblings has been released on bail while police try to find his phone.
Callum Thorne, 22, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court for the first time since the crash on Wednesday.
Mr Thorne was arrested and charged by police after a three-vehicle crash on the Riddoch Highway near Nangwarry about 2.40pm on Sunday.
He was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing harm by dangerous driving but was released on bail until May.
Detectives are desperately trying to find Mr Thorne’s phone which they claim is a crucial piece of evidence in the case.
The tragic collision unfolded when a black Holden sedan collided with an emu on the highway, which caused a grey Toyota station wagon behind it to brake suddenly to avoid hitting the Holden, police said.
A third car, a white Nissan ute driven by Mr Thorne, then crashed at speed into the rear of the Toyota which was occupied by the Eykelenburg family.
Five-year-old Isaac was declared dead at the scene and his 15-year-old sister was airlifted to hospital in Adelaide where she sadly later died from her critical injuries.
Callum Thorne, 22, (centre in blue shirt) has been released on bail after police arrested and charged him with reckless driving
Mr Thorne was allegedly behind the wheel of a Nissan Ute which was involved in a three-vehicle crash which claimed the lives of two young siblings aged five and 15
The court heard that the prosecution had searched Mr Thorne’s home in an attempt to find the phone after they pinpointed its signal to the address.
‘I don’t accept that the defendant and his family are unaware of where the phone is – I am suspicious of some perversion,’ the prosecutor said, reported the Advertiser.
The prosecutor opposed Mr Thorne’s bail after detectives discovered the phone travelled south after the accident before being turned off.
Police also allege Mr Throne told a witness at the scene he had been tired and was using his phone prior to the crash.
Mr Throne’s lawyer, Nick Healy, told the court his client ‘vehemently denies’ he ever said that.
Mr Healy insisted there must be some ‘completely innocent’ explanation as to where the phone has ended up.
‘My client is adamant and indeed his family are, that they have absolutely no knowledge of where that phone is,’ he told the court.
The court heard Mr Thorne had no prior criminal history and that he was a respected members of the Mount Gambier community where he had lived all his life.
Magistrate Ben Sale said that while allegations of concealing evidence were troubling the phone may have moved after Mr Thorne was already in custody.
There was no suggestion by the judge that Mr Thorne was directing any concealment efforts.
Judge Sale granted Mr Throne bail on the condition that he report to a police station weekly.
The charges have been adjourned until May.
Isaac Eykelenburg, 5, died at the scene while his sister was transported to Adelaide Hospital where she later died of her injuries
The prosecution told the court that Mr Thorne had allegedly told a witness at the scene that he was tired and had been using his phone at the time of the crash
Mr Thorne’s friends and family had gathered outside the courthouse crying and holding hands as the bail was granted.
A family friend has since launched a GoFundMe for the Eykelenburg family.
‘My friend Paula and her husband Chris were involved in an accident which was not good,’ Tara Button wrote.
‘Chris and Paula are both physically ok as far as I know but emotionally and mentally they won’t be.’
Mr Eykelenburg, 42, was driving the car at the time of the crash and was taken to hospital in Mount Gambier while his wife is understood to have flown to Adelaide with their 15-year-old daughter.
The pair’s 13-year-old daughter and six-year-old son were also taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Flowers have been placed in tribute at Grant High School in Mount Gambier where Mr Eykelenburg’s eldest daughter had been a student.
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