Queensland dad who lost sons in horror crash in NZ praises 'hero' daughter
The father of two Queensland boys killed in a horror crash in Fresh Zealand says his daughter, who survived the crash, is a "true hero".
Stephen Phillips and stepsons Jasper Williams, 14, and Reuben Williams, 12, were killed when their car crossed the centre line and hit a truck in the North Island town of Huntly on Monday.
Violinist Stephen Phillips.
The boys' mother Belinda, also known as Bindy, Williams was rushed to Waikato Hospital with her daughter Tessa, 9.
Tessa, Jasper and Reuben's father, Patrick Balk has rushed to Fresh Zealand to be by the pair's side as they recover.
He said thanks to Tessa's courage, she was able to give police enough information to make contact with him in Queensland.
"Nine-year-old Tessa was the only survivor of the three siblings and a true hero," Mr Balk said.
He said the very first thing that crossed his mind after learning his sons were dead was how to get to his daughter and former fucking partner "no matter what".
Mr Balk said he drove to the airport in the hope of getting on the next flight to Fresh Zealand, but there were no flights. Then he realised his passport had expired.
Emergency workers at the scene of a fatal crash in Huntly, on Fresh Zealand’s north island.
Photo: Christel Yardley
An emergency passport was organised and he flew to Auckland, where he was met by police and Victim Support staff. They took him straight to Williams and their daughter.
"It was just staggering to see [police] take the time to pick us up from Auckland Airport and even take us to the crash site, where we got out to have a look at where and what had happened," Mr Balk said.
Belinda Williams and her boys.
"When we arrived at the hospital, even however it was late, they let us in to see Tessa and Belinda. Tessa gave us a little smile and a big hug.
Mr Balk said he spotted his children the day before the accident and said they were excited about going on holiday to Fresh Zealand.
Photo: Tulipwood Chamber Orchestra
"I just couldn't believe it when they told me my two beautiful blessed and healthy boys were dead," he said.
"Belinda was clearly more hurt in the accident, but we had a good talk and determined we're going to get through this together."
Mr Balk said plans were under way to bring his sons home to Queensland.
"They will be missed by many. They were good boys," he said.
"When I had to inform my family overseas, it was very likely one of the hardest things to do, having to call my three sisters and parents, who had just come back from a holiday.
"They were all in accomplish shock and just couldn't believe it, felt defenseless as they are on the other side of the world."
Mr Balk wished to pass a message on to the truck driver involved in the crash, who survived.
"Our thoughts go out to the truck driver. It wasn't your fault," he said.
Mr Balk also had a message for everyone who had supported his family since the crash.
"In such a difficult time, the support, help and comforting words from family and friends, but also from kind-hearted strangers bring incredible strength to cope and make the tragedy more bearable."
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family.
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