Mother Pleads Guilty in Twin Daughters' Deaths

Rachel Van Oyen, a 32-year-old mother from Halls Head, has pleaded guilty to two counts of careless driving causing death following a tragic crash that killed her seven-year-old twin daughters, Macey and Riley, on Great Eastern Highway in Western Australia. The accident occurred in February as they were returning to Perth from visiting family, with Van Oyen sustaining only minor injuries. In her emotional court appearance, she expressed profound grief, stating, 'Nothing makes sense now' and that she wished she could have taken her daughters' places. Her lawyer noted that Van Oyen had faced significant psychological distress, which previously prevented her from attending court. Sentencing is scheduled for March 2024. The incident has been described as an 'absolute tragedy' by WA Premier Roger Cook.