An Australian man reportedly received the devastating news that his partner and young toddler lost their lives during a car crash from an Apple Watch notification.
According to 7 News Australia, 34-year-old Katrina Sila and her two children - Kai, aged two, and Ivy, four months - were involved in a horrifying accident on a motorway southwest of Sydney, Australia.
Sadly, both Katrina and Kai were killed when the family's SUV plowed into a Cement Australia truck at 11:20 AM on Monday (March 13).
Little Ivy was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to a local children's hospital, where she is said to be in critical condition and fighting for her life.
It was reported that the cement truck driver was not injured, but had been taken for mandatory testing after bystanders had consoled him for shock at the roadside.
Mr. Sila allegedly learned of the crash via his Apple Watch's car crash detection. According to the tech company's website, this feature has been designed to recognize severe crashes - including front, rear, and side collisions - involving regular sedans, trucks, minivans, and SUVs.
"When a severe car crash is detected, your iPhone or Apple Watch sounds an alarm and displays an alert," the website states. "Your iPhone reads the alert, in case you can't see the screen. If you have only your phone, the screen displays an Emergency Call slider and your phone can call emergency services."
A subsequent statement from the Sila family (via News.com.au) read: "We are heartbroken to announce the sad passing of Katrina Sila and son Kai ... a loving daughter, mother, devoted wife, sister, and friend to many."
The family also expressed their gratitude to medical staff and the public for their continued support at this difficult time.
Katrina and Kai's sudden deaths were announced by an Islamic prayer group, which wrote: "With great shock and heavy hearts, we announce our beloved sister and her son have returned to their creator, after being involved in a tragic accident yesterday involving a cement truck on the freeway."
It continued: "She was such a beautiful soul and loved by many! Please keep her baby in your prayers, who's currently in hospital in a critical condition. May Allah grant this baby a swift full recovery."
The news outlet detailed that the traumatic accident is currently being investigated.
"It is hard to think anybody did survive that wreckage - such a tragic and high-speed incident," Mark Gibbs, a paramedic from Ambulance NSW stated following the incident. He also added Ivy's life was likely saved by her car seat, allowing her to be flown to hospital by helicopter.
Gibbs added: "It shows how child restraints work in such tragic circumstances."
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