A regional councillor has faced severe criticism and public outrage after posting what many have deemed highly insensitive comments on social media in the wake of a tragic double fatal car crash. The incident, which occurred in the small community of Black Springs, located just outside Oberon in western New South Wales, has left the local area in mourning.
Details of the Tragic Accident
On Tuesday, a devastating accident unfolded when a car veered off the road and ploughed into a tree with significant force. The crash resulted in the deaths of two young individuals, both in their 20s, who were identified as the driver and the front-seat passenger. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but sadly, they were unable to save the lives of these two victims.
In addition to the fatalities, a man in his 50s, who was sitting in the backseat of the vehicle at the time of the collision, sustained leg injuries. He received immediate medical treatment and was transported to a nearby hospital for further care. The exact circumstances leading up to the crash are still under investigation by local authorities.
Councillor's Controversial Social Media Post
Hours after news of the heartbreaking accident began to circulate throughout the community and beyond, Oberon councillor Helen Hayden took to her personal Facebook account to share a now-deleted post. In her comment, she reportedly stated, "Black Springs will be quieter without roaring engines." This remark quickly sparked widespread condemnation from residents, online users, and fellow community members.
The post has been met with an outpouring of criticism, with many people expressing their disbelief and anger at the councillor's lack of empathy during such a sensitive time. Numerous individuals have taken to social media platforms to voice their concerns, with some even calling for Hayden to be sacked from her position on the council due to the inappropriate nature of her comments.
Council's Response and Public Backlash
In response to the growing controversy, Oberon Council has issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the comments made by Councillor Hayden. The council emphasised that while councillors are individually responsible for their personal views and expressions, the remarks in question do not reflect the official views or stance of the council as a whole.
Despite this clarification, the public backlash continues to intensify, highlighting the delicate balance between personal social media use and professional responsibilities for elected officials. The incident has sparked broader discussions about appropriate conduct and sensitivity, especially in the aftermath of community tragedies.
As the community grapples with the loss of two young lives, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and friends, while also addressing the fallout from the councillor's ill-timed social media activity.
