June 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 fatal single-vehicle crash occurred on Thursday, June 17, 2025, at approximately 6:50 pm on the Bruce Highway, near Donohues Road, in Farleigh, Queensland.

The incident involved a black Toyota Kluger that lost control and came to rest on nearby railway tracks. A 73-year-old woman from Mackay was taken to Mackay Hospital in critical condition and later died as a result of her injuries.

Two children who were also in the vehicle were transported to hospital with minor injuries.

Queensland Police’s Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the collision and has urged witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

“A 73-year-old Mackay woman… died at the hospital after being critically injured.”
— Queensland Police Service statement

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, June 17, 2025 (approximately 6:50 pm).
  • Location: Bruce Highway, near Donohues Road, Farleigh, Queensland — a key route in central Queensland.

Vehicles Involved

  • A black Toyota Kluger, driven by a 73-year-old woman who died following the crash.
  • The vehicle lost control and came to rest on railway tracks.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • A 73-year-old woman was taken to Mackay Hospital in critical condition and died shortly after.
  • Minor Injuries:
    • Two children in the vehicle were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency Response

  • Paramedics responded swiftly to reports of a serious crash involving a car on railway tracks.
  • The driver was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the children were treated and released.

“The black Toyota Kluger lost control before coming to a stop on railway tracks nearby.”
— Queensland Police update

Police Investigation

Queensland Police are examining:

  • The sequence of events leading to the vehicle losing control on the Bruce Highway.
  • Road conditions, visibility, and potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure.
  • Dashcam or CCTV footage from the Bruce Highway near Donohues Road around 6:50 pm on June 17, 2025.

Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information or video evidence to contact Crime Stoppers or submit details via Policelink.

Community Impact

This tragic event highlights the risks of vehicle loss of control on major highways, especially for older drivers. It also reinforces the need for increased caution near railway crossings and in areas where road alignment can pose added danger in the event of mechanical or driver error.

Appeal for Information

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the Bruce Highway near Donohues Road in Farleigh around 6:50 pm on June 17, 2025 is urged to contact authorities:

  • Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
  • Witness Reporting: Contact Queensland Police directly via local station or through the official website.