I don't often post on a thread about a fatal prang but, when I do, I've always felt that it was common decency to express condolences. Ít's just part of the values that I was taught all too many years ago. However, I wouldn't ever deride anyone for making a comment without offering condolences.
My thanks to Woomera for clarifying the situation in such cases, so I will refrain from posting condolences in the future. That might become a bit difficult though, if I happen to know any of the people involved in the accident. And, yes, in any such instance, I'd be buying the card and even making a phone call, if I can't visit at the time.