Police continue to investigate what caused the crash. Victoria Police acting inspector Rachel Chapman said they were considering all circumstances.
“We have had quite a bit of rain over the last few days, and it’s my understanding that it was dark and raining at the time,” Insp. Chapman told reporters on Tuesday.
“There’s a big ripple effect for the families, friends, colleagues – everyone in your community will be impacted by this.”
The road was a “typical mountainous, narrow road” with two lanes, Senior Sergeant Luke Banwell said.
“There’s wildlife, there’s winding bends, there are slippery conditions from time to time. Sometimes there’ll be landslides, sometimes there’ll be snow,” Sgt. Banwell said.
“The local community here is small.
“I can guarantee you, the people in the town will know all of those people. This is what really shocks and traumatises a local community, is something as devastating as this.”
Friends paid tribute to Taj and Zane online on Tuesday. “Fly high boys you’ll be missed,” one wrote on Instagram. “Forever 15, forever 18.”
Local James Brown, a friend of the father of one of the boys who died, said he had been calling for 24/7 policing in Orbost for years.
“It’s such a tragic loss of young life,” he said.
The Department of Education was supporting students and staff at Orbost Community College after the crash.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of those who have died in this tragic event,” a spokesman for the department said.
“The entire Orbost Community College community mourns the loss of a cherished current student and a former student.”
Anyone who witnessed the crash, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report online.
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