'I couldn't believe they were dead': Heartbroken Australian father is left devastated as his two sons are killed in a horror crash while on holiday in New Zealand

  • Patrick Balk flew to New Zealand when he was told his two sons had died 
  • Jasper, 14, Reuben, 12, and stepfather Stephen Philips died in a car crash 
  • Their mother Belinda Williams and younger sister Tessa survived
  • The car collided with a truck just hours into their family holiday 
  • Mr Balk said: 'our thoughts go out to the truck driver. It wasn't your fault'  

By ALISHA BUAYA FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

The father of two boys killed in a car accident has opened up about his tragic loss.

Patrick Balk rushed from Queensland to New Zealand when he was informed his two sons Jasper, 14 and Reuben, 12, were killed when the car they were in collided with a truck on State highway one in Huntly, south of Auckland.

The boys were only a few hours into their family holiday with their mother Belinda Williams, younger sister Tessa and stepfather Stephen Philips, a renowned violinist in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, according to a report by Stuff.

Jasper, 14 and Reuben, 12 died in when the car they were in collided with a truck on State highway one in Huntly, south of Auckland

Jasper, 14 and Reuben, 12 died in when the car they were in collided with a truck on State highway one in Huntly, south of Auckland

Their stepfather Stephen Philips, a violinist in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, also died in the fatal collision. Their mother Belinda Williams and younger sister Tessa were the only survivors of the accident

Their stepfather Stephen Philips, a violinist in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, also died in the fatal collision. Their mother Belinda Williams and younger sister Tessa were the only survivors of the accident

Mr Philips died in the collision, while Belinda and Tessa survived the crash and were taken to Waikato Hospital with injuries.

Tessa was able to give the police enough information to the police so that they could get in contact with her father Patrick Balk.

Mr Balk flew to New Zealand on an emergency passport and was able to be at the side of his recovering ex-wife and daughter. 

'When we arrived at the hospital, even though it was late, they let us in to see Tessa and Belinda. Tessa gave us a little smile and a big hug,' he said.

Patrick Balk, the father of Jasper and Reuben, said he couldn't believe it when he was told his sons were dead

Patrick Balk, the father of Jasper and Reuben, said he couldn't believe it when he was told his sons were dead

Mr Balk said his daughter Tessa gave him a little smile and a big hug when he arrived at the hospital

Mr Balk said his daughter Tessa gave him a little smile and a big hug when he arrived at the hospital

Mr Balk said: 'our thoughts go out to the truck driver. It wasn't your fault.'

Mr Balk said: 'our thoughts go out to the truck driver. It wasn't your fault.'

'I just couldn't believe it when they told me my two beautiful, happy and healthy boys were dead,' he added. 

In a message to the truck driver, Mr Balk said: 'our thoughts go out to the truck driver. It wasn't your fault.' 

The Nissan car, which police believe was being driven by Mr Philips, crossed the highway's centre line and collided with the truck. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Belinda and Tessa in their recovery. 

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