April 29, 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 fatal traffic crash occurred on the Bruce Highway in Kuttabul , Queensland, on Saturday, December 28, 2024 , at approximately 2:35 pm . The collision involved a Toyota Hilux utility , a Chevrolet Silverado towing a caravan , and a Toyota Kluger .

The crash resulted in the deaths of two individuals:

  • The driver of the Toyota Kluger, a **76-year-old man from East Mackay**, who was declared deceased at the scene.
  • A **68-year-old woman from East Mackay**, who was transported to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries on **December 31, 2024**.

Following an investigation, a 65-year-old man from Bloomsbury , the driver of the Toyota Hilux, has been charged with multiple offenses, including driving under the influence of liquor (UIL) and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while affected by an intoxicating substance.

He is expected to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on Monday, May 26, 2025 .

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Saturday, December 28, 2024 (approximately 2:35 pm).
  • Location: Bruce Highway, Kuttabul, Queensland.

Vehicles Involved

  • A **Toyota Hilux utility** driven by the 65-year-old man from Bloomsbury.
  • A **Chevrolet Silverado towing a caravan**.
  • A **Toyota Kluger** driven by the deceased 76-year-old man from East Mackay.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • The driver of the Toyota Kluger, a 76-year-old man from East Mackay, died at the scene.
    • A 68-year-old woman from East Mackay, who was transported to the hospital, passed away on December 31, 2024.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended the scene promptly to manage the aftermath of the crash and provide medical assistance.
  • The 68-year-old woman was transported to the hospital for treatment but later succumbed to her injuries.

Charges and Legal Proceedings
The 65-year-old driver of the Toyota Hilux has been formally charged with the following offenses:

  • Driving under the influence of liquor (UIL).
  • Dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while affected by an intoxicating substance (two counts).

“He is expected to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on Monday, May 26.”
— Queensland Police Service statement

Police Investigation
The Queensland Police Service conducted a thorough investigation into the crash, focusing on:

  • The sequence of events leading to the collision involving the three vehicles.
  • Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the incident.
  • Potential contributing factors such as alcohol impairment, speed, or distraction.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of avoiding the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviors : speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction, which are known contributors to serious crashes.

Appeal for Information
The community is urged to assist authorities by providing any information that could help determine the cause of the crash:

Community Impact
This tragic incident underscores the devastating consequences of impaired driving and highlights the importance of road safety awareness. The loss of two lives has deeply affected the East Mackay community and serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviors .