June 1, 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 two-vehicle crash occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025 , at approximately 12:53 pm on Herberton Petford Road in Irvinebank , near Mareeba, Queensland , resulting in the death of a 64-year-old man .

The collision involved a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Hilux traveling in opposite directions . The Corolla’s front-seat passenger , the 64-year-old Atherton man, sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene .

The driver of the Corolla , a 20-year-old woman from Wondecla , was injured but survived and was taken to Atherton Hospital for treatment. The two occupants of the Hilux sustained only minor injuries and were assessed at the scene before being released.

The Forensic Crash Unit is currently investigating the cause of the crash and is appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward.

“The passenger of the Corolla… sustained critical injuries and died at the scene.”
— Queensland Police Service statement

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025 (approximately 12:53 pm).
  • Location: Herberton Petford Road, Irvinebank, Queensland — a rural road located near Mareeba and Atherton.

Vehicles Involved

  • A **Toyota Corolla**, carrying two people — the 20-year-old driver and the 64-year-old fatally injured passenger.
  • A **Toyota Hilux**, with two occupants who were assessed at the scene and released without hospitalization.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • The 64-year-old male passenger in the Corolla died at the scene following the crash.
  • Non-Life-Threatening Injuries:
    • The 20-year-old female driver of the Corolla was transported to Atherton Hospital for further evaluation and care.
  • Minor Injuries:
    • The two occupants of the Hilux were treated at the scene and did not require hospital transport.

Emergency Response

  • Paramedics and police responded quickly to reports of a serious crash involving multiple casualties.
  • All four people involved were assessed, with one fatality confirmed and the others receiving medical attention.

“The two occupants of the Hilux were assessed at the scene with minor injuries.”
— Queensland Police update

Police Investigation
The Queensland Forensic Crash Unit is investigating:

  • The circumstances leading up to the crash on Herberton Petford Road.
  • Road conditions, visibility, and possible contributing factors including speed, distraction, or impairment.
  • Dashcam or CCTV footage from the area around **12:53 pm on May 31, 2025**.

Authorities are urging members of the public to assist with their inquiry.

Community Impact
This tragic crash highlights the risks associated with rural road travel , particularly on narrow and winding roads like Herberton Petford Road . The death of a man aged 64 underscores the vulnerability of older passengers during vehicle collisions, even when drivers survive with minimal injury.

Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the Herberton Petford Road in Irvinebank around 12:53 pm on May 31, 2025 , is urged to contact authorities: