Modewarre disaster Appeal to help the family

Alex de Vos
The employer of Modewarre train smash survivor Tony Angel will establish an appeal to raise money for his surviving family members.
Statewide Fire Protection director Jim Cooper said he felt devastated after the deaths of Mr Angel’s wife, Sue, and 12-year-old daughter Caitlin when their car collided with a Warrnambool-bound passenger train on Monday.
Mr Cooper said the company would donate two dollars from every gas refilling and five from each gas-cylinder test and refill to a support fund for the family.
The tragedy had touched all the staff at Statewide Fire Protection, he said.
“We want to do whatever we can to help Tony’s family. Tony was a very loyal and trustworthy employee who was being groomed for factory manager,” Mr Cooper said.
“He spent a lot of time with his family and would do anything for them.”
Family friend and neighbour Jean Myers said she would also discuss setting up an appeal with other neighbours.
“It’s a tragedy,” Mrs Myers said.
“We were more than just neighbours – we were friends. We saw the kids every day and we would sometimes catch up over the weekend.
“Caitlin had just turned into a beautiful young lady.”
Mr Angel and his two sons, 10-year-old Nicholas and Cameron, 8, escaped the smash with injuries.
The brothers were taken to Royal Children’s Hospital, while their father was flown to The Alfred Hospital in a serious condition.
Nicholas and Cameron had been released from hospital yesterday but their father remained in a stable condition.
Family Maltese terrier Molly also died in the smash.
The train driver and 116 passengers escaped injury.
The collision sparked calls to upgrade the railway level crossing, which has a stop sign and rumble strips but no lights, bells or boom gates.
But on Wednesday State Government ruled out upgrading the crossing.
Mr Cooper asked anyone wanting to contribute to the appeal to phone his company on 5272 3355 or visit 13 Separation Street, North Geelong.