September 21, 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 devastating crash occurred on the M1 northbound at Gaven in the early hours of Sunday, September 21, 2025. At approximately 2:50 am, a silver Jeep Cherokee parked on the motorway shoulder near the Smith Street on-ramp was struck by a grey Toyota Hilux. A baby boy travelling in the Jeep was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital but tragically died a short time later. The driver of the Jeep, a 24-year-old woman from Ormeau Hills, was taken to hospital in a serious condition. The Hilux driver, a 51-year-old Loganlea man, sustained minor injuries.

“A baby boy, who was in the Jeep, was rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital, but could not be saved and was declared dead a short time later.” — Queensland Police Service

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 (approximately 2:50 am)
  • Location: M1 northbound near Smith Street on-ramp, Gaven, Gold Coast, Queensland

Vehicles Involved

  • Silver Jeep Cherokee, driven by a 24-year-old Ormeau Hills woman (seriously injured)
  • Grey Toyota Hilux, driven by a 51-year-old Loganlea man (minor injuries)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • Baby boy, passenger in Jeep Cherokee, transported to hospital but died shortly after arrival.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • 24-year-old female Jeep driver from Ormeau Hills, sustained serious injuries, hospitalised.
  • No Injuries:
    • 51-year-old male Hilux driver from Loganlea, sustained only minor injuries.

Emergency Response

  • A large emergency response attended the scene on the M1 near Smith Street at approximately 2:50 am.
  • The baby boy was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital but declared deceased shortly after arrival.
  • The Jeep driver was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
  • As of 7:30 am, traffic on the M1 was reduced to one lane northbound, causing significant delays for motorists.

“As of 7.30am, the M1 is reduced to one lane at the Smith St on Ramp, northbound. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and expect delays.” — Queensland Police Service

Police Investigation
Queensland Police and the Forensic Crash Unit are examining:

  • The circumstances that led to the Hilux colliding with the stationary Jeep on the motorway shoulder.
  • Possible factors such as driver fatigue, impairment, or visibility conditions at the time.
  • Dashcam or CCTV footage from vehicles travelling northbound on the M1 near Smith Street at the time of the crash.

Community Impact
The tragic death of the infant has devastated the Gold Coast community and traumatised witnesses to the crash. The incident highlights the vulnerability of children in highway crashes and has intensified calls for vigilance around parked or broken-down vehicles on motorways.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage to contact:

  • Policelink: Report online at [www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting](https://www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting) or call 131 444
  • Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestoppersqld.com.au](https://www.crimestoppersqld.com.au)