Major Crash detectives investigate Horrocks double fatal crash after 4WD plunges over steep cliff
The wreckage of a four wheel drive that plunged over a steep cliff at a remote WA beach, killing two men and seriously injuring a third, is being recovered by authorities.
Emergency service personnel were called to the remote beach, about 500km north of Perth and 10km north of the small coastal community of Horrocks in WA's Mid West, just before 4am on Sunday.
Two men, both 22, died at the scene, while a third man, who was seriously injured, managed to climb up the cliff face to raise the alarm.
The 21-year-old has since been transferred to Royal Perth Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.
WA Police Superintendent Steve Post said the survivor was being treated for spinal and neck injuries.
He said while the man was conscious, his recollection of the incident had been affected by the crash.
"We will be waiting until he receives full treatment before we interview him and try and ascertain exactly what occurred on the night and tragically how this incident took place," Superintendent Post said.
"We're looking at all the circumstances in relation to how this occurred.
"There is every indication that this is just a tragic incident and the boys had been driving in the car and accidentally gone over the cliff."
Superintendent Post said the men had been camping with another three friends around the Horrocks area on Saturday night.
He said the 21-year-old had also suffered significant seatbelt injuries and was the rear passenger in the vehicle.
"[That] indicates to us that he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of this incident took place," Superintendent Post said.
"I guess it's a timely reminder for everybody that seatbelts do save lives."
Effort to extract vehicle
Images of the scene captured on Monday morning showed the vehicle resting on its roof towards the bottom of the cliff.
Officers from the Major Crash Squad travelled to the scene on Monday, with a report into the crash to be prepared for the coroner.
"We're working with a local towing company and also with Major Crash to remove the vehicle from the location," Superintendent Post said.
"The area in which the vehicle has landed is very treacherous and we'll be making every effort to remove it."
"I have spoken to the family of the survivor and they also send their condolences to the families and friends of the two boys who tragically lost their lives.
“Everybody is feeling it, the first responders are certainly feeling it [and] the community is feeling it."
No visibility at night: resident
Horrocks camp site operator and long-rime local Reg Reynolds said it could have been easy for the accident to occur in the area.
"Very steep cliffs ... there's one little beach just north of White Cliffs, other than that it's quite steep to get down," he said.
"At that time of night, I'd say they didn't have any idea they were approaching the cliff edge.
"It's fragile edge, limestone — whether they can retrieve the car is going to be another thing."
Premier Roger Cook said the incident would be difficult and distressing for the small community to process.
"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those four-wheel drivers," Mr Cook said.
"It really reminds the community of just how important safety is when you're in the wilderness of Western Australia."
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