KEY POINTS:
One of the last memories Reef Coombes has of her parents is them complaining they were being dazzled by the early morning sunshine.
Seconds later, a train slammed into the family car, killing Brent and Renee Coombes and leaving Reef an orphan.
Yesterday, Palmerston North coroner Timothy Scott reserved the decision of his inquest into the level crossing smash, at the Manawatu town of Ohingaiti on July 14. However, he said he considered neither Mr Coombes nor the train driver Paul Johanson were to blame for the deaths.
Today Reef lives in Auckland with her aunt and uncle, Kim and John Smith. The family did not attend the inquest, but Ms Smith said she was glad Mr Scott intended to release his findings as soon as possible as that meant the family could move forward.
"Reef turned six in November, and that was a milestone. We were concerned about it, but I think it was harder for John and I than it was for her. She was just keen about her party and her presents and her friends I think," Ms Smith said.
Reef was doing well in her new home, and her cousins were treating her as their new sister, Ms Smith said. Reef had received counselling, and was very aware of what had happened to her and her parents.
"She knows that mummy and daddy aren't here any more. She said this to the counsellor, too.
"She said she had two mummys and two daddys. She had mummy Renee in her heart and mummy Kim taking care of her, and daddy Brent in her heart and daddy John looking after her. She's quite certain about what happened and where she stands, and it's amazing how she has comprehended the whole thing and taken it in her stride."
Witnesses at yesterday's inquest said the weather conditions were fine, clear and crisp when the fatal crash happened, around 7.40am.
Drivers behind the Coombes' white Toyota saw the car slow down to 15-20km/h as it neared the tight s-bend where State Highway One crosses the main trunk line. Clinton Murphy and his passenger Daniel McMillan, and following motorist Mark Dobson, all saw the warning lights flashing on the level crossing.
Mr McMillan and Mr Murphy also heard the warning bells, but Mr Dobson's stereo was on and he did not hear the bells. However, he did see the fatal impact. "I thought he would make it through [the intersection], but he didn't,"' Mr Dobson said.
Mr Murphy and Mr McMillan were closest to the impact, and both described how the car was sent into a somersault by the impact before coming to rest around 50m away. It was Mr Murphy who retrieved the slightly injured Reef from the back of the car.
All three said the sun was just coming over the horizon, but said they had had no difficulties seeing.
Train driver Paul Johanson said his locomotive was travelling at 77km/h, just below the 80km/h speed limit, when it hit the Coombes' car. He had sounded the warning siren as the train neared the crossing, and had had no chance to stop when the car moved in front of him.
