July 18, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A 14-year-old schoolboy, Declan Phillips, was fatally struck by a Mitsubishi Pajero while walking to school in Wynnum, Brisbane’s bayside, on the morning of Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Declan, a Year 9 student at Wynnum State High School, was crossing at the roundabout intersection of Tingal Road and Berrima Street around 8:20am when the crash occurred. Emergency services arrived promptly, but he died at the scene. He was known to walk the same route daily.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 (approximately 8:20 am)
  • Location: Tingal Road and Berrima Street roundabout, Wynnum, Queensland

Vehicles Involved

  • Mitsubishi Pajero SUV – displaying learner plates, became lodged under a low rail bridge following the crash

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • Declan Phillips, 14, pedestrian — died at the scene from critical injuries
  • No Injuries:
    • The 17-year-old learner driver and two passengers (a 41-year-old woman and 16-year-old male) were not physically injured.

Emergency Response
Paramedics treated Declan at the scene, but he could not be revived. The intersection was cordoned off as police conducted a forensic examination. The Pajero, which became stuck under the low rail bridge, was later removed.

Investigation
Queensland Police are examining:

  • The events leading up to the vehicle entering the pedestrian refuge area
  • Whether the driver attempted evasive action prior to impact
  • Visibility, vehicle control, and signage at the location
  • Possible factors relating to the rail bridge proximity and traffic dynamics at the roundabout

Police have not laid charges, and the investigation is ongoing.

Community Impact
Declan’s death has devastated the Wynnum community. Floral tributes line the footpath where he was hit, and hundreds have donated over $50,000 to support the family through a fundraiser. He was remembered as a kind, creative student who loved woodwork, engineering, and speed cubing. His football club, Wynnum Wolves FC, will honour him this weekend with black armbands and moments of silence.

The family is now calling for urgent traffic safety upgrades to the roundabout intersection, which many locals describe as dangerous due to limited signage and its proximity to a low-clearance rail bridge.

Witnesses/Appeals
Queensland Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of Tingal Road and Berrima Street around 8:00–8:30 am on July 16, 2025.