Busselton in shock as Cape Naturaliste students Buckley Spicer and Luke Hopkins identified as crash victims

The two teenage boys killed in a tragic crash in WA’s South West last night have been identified as Buckley Spicer and Luke Hopkins. Buckley and Luke, aged 16 and 15 respectively, were in the back of the grey Ford Falcon sedan that went round a bend and ploughed into a tree on Doyle Road near Busselton overnight. Police said the car crashed between 8pm and 9pm last night and was carrying seven people — two of whom are believed to have been in the boot. The group, all of whom attend Cape Naturaliste College in Vasse, are understood to have been on their way to a party at the time and police have not ruled out the possibility that alcohol was involved in the crash. The five other occupants are all in hospital but have non-life threatening injuries. Speaking this afternoon South West Superintendent Geoff Stewart said it was the type of incident that regional communities dread, adding it should serve as a reminder to people about how they drive. “Roads don’t kill people, it’s the people who get behind driving wheels,” he said. “Once again we have a country community that is going to suffer ... as a result of some road trauma. We have police in contact with the families ... you can imagine how everyone must be feeling. “I’ve spent predominantly all my life in the country. We dread this type of thing. “The worst thing about being a copper in the country is when people in the country lose their lives, we always know who they are or who they’re connected to. “It’s a shocking thing and it’s something now this community is going to have to support, with love and affection, all those families involved.” Police said they received advice of the crash about 8.50pm and police, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, St John Ambulance and two rescue helicopters were deployed to the scene. The 17-year-old driver was taken to Royal Perth Hospital by an RAC Rescue helicopter. The four remaining passengers — one girl and three boys aged 15-16 years old — were taken by ambulance to hospitals in Busselton and Bunbury. Newly installed minister for police and road safety Paul Papalia said even those who survived the “horrible situation” would have to live with the devastating crash for the rest of their lives. “I can’t even begin to imagine the anguish that is being suffered by the parents and the families and the loved ones of those who didn’t make it out of this crash,” he said. “Those who did survive are going to be carrying the pain — physical and emotional — from this incident for the rest of their lives. “Sadly the first responders are going to have to deal with the scars that incur as a result of going to these type of incidents. Nothing good comes out of these type of incidents. “It’s a horrible situation, it appears as though the ... children involved in this crash were from the same school. “I hope those who have physically survived the crash will recover rapidly.” Police are seeking information regarding the fatal crash. Anyone with information regarding this crash, or who saw the vehicle being driven prior to the crash, is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.