In their darkest hour, relatives of an Ulladulla family devastated by a fiery road tanker crash have thanked the community for their support.
David and Debbie Bridge are fighting for their lives in hospital after suffering burns to 80 per cent of their bodies in the accident.
Their two daughters, 11-year-old Makeely and 13-year-old Jordon, were killed when the tanker slammed into their vehicle and burst into flames on Monday afternoon near Batemans Bay.
CLICK HERE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE BRIDGE FAMILY Photos from the crash scene Truck driver's fiance slams government roads funding Also killed was the 36-year-old tanker driver, David Carolan, from Narellan Vale.
Mrs Bridge's sister and brother-in-law, Sheree and Frank Montgomery, also from Ulladulla, were travelling in the vehicle behind the Bridges' Subaru Forester when it was hit by the runaway tanker on the Princes Hwy at East Lynne.
In a statement issued through two Sydney hospitals where Mr and Mrs Bridge remained in a critical condition yesterday, the family expressed their gratitude for the support received.
"(We) want to thank the community for their well-wishes at this very difficult time," the statement said.
"The family is fully focused on supporting their loved ones in hospital."
The South Coast community has paid tribute to a highly respected family.
Michael Storey, general manager of Southern.IML Pathology where Mrs Bridge works as a pathology collector, described her as "a well-known, very well-liked" member of the team.
"Having worked in most of the South Coast centres, Debbie has become close to many of us," Mr Storey said.
"This tragic accident has caused grief and sadness to us all. Our love and thoughts go to Debbie and family."
Just weeks before her death, Jordon was recognised by Ulladulla High School for meritorious effort in English.
Principal Tracy Provest said Jordon was "one of those absolute delights to have in the classroom" and who reflected the school aims of being respectful, responsible and engaged in learning.
"While she was very very quiet, she gave 110 per cent. She was one of those kids who lived those three values in her year at school," Mrs Provest said.
"She was very actively involved in our Year 7 camp. She had a lovely group of friends who she shared a tent with.
"She had a go at mountain bike riding, the flying fox, kayaking ... and building towers out of milk crates.
"So while she was quiet, she was always prepared to have a go."
Jordon and Makeely were active in netball, both within their schools (Makeely attended Ulladulla Public School) and with the Ulladulla & Districts Netball Association.
Association president Sonya Hughes said the Bridges were extremely family-orientated.
"All the Bridge family could be found at netball on a Saturday morning, with both Jordon and her sister Makeely playing for the Waves Club," she said.
"The girls will be sadly missed by all their friends."
The family was travelling home from a holiday in Albury with Mr and Mrs Montgomery when the accident occurred.
Mr Montgomery suffered severe burns to a hand in his frantic efforts to free the family from the vehicle, however his two nieces could not be saved.
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