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Incident Overview
A 66-year-old man from Wongaling Beach has tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway near Innisfail, Queensland. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, December 17, 2024, and has prompted a renewed appeal from authorities for increased road safety awareness as the holiday season approaches.
Location and Time
The crash happened around 3:10 pm on the Bruce Highway near Goondi Bend in Innisfail, Queensland. This stretch of the Bruce Highway is known for its scenic beauty but also for its winding sections and potential hazards, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
Vehicle Involved
The crash involved a single vehicle, the make and model of which were not specified in the report.
Crash Description
The 66-year-old man was driving along the Bruce Highway when, for reasons yet to be determined, his car left the roadway and collided with a pole. The impact of the crash caused fatal injuries to the driver.
Injuries/Fatalities
The 66-year-old male driver died at the scene of the crash. A 56-year-old woman who was a passenger in the car sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Innisfail Hospital for treatment.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics, were called to the scene, but sadly, the driver could not be saved.
Investigation
The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances that led to the crash. They will be examining the scene, the vehicle involved, and gathering any available witness statements or dashcam footage to determine the cause of the collision and any contributing factors.
Witnesses/Appeals
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the crash or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward and assist with the investigation. This information could be crucial in helping investigators understand what happened and potentially prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Community Impact
This tragic incident has saddened the local community and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly during the holiday season when traffic volumes increase. The crash also contributes to the already concerning road toll in Queensland, which is on track to exceed 300 fatalities this year, the highest number in nearly two decades.
Road Safety Concerns
Authorities have expressed concern about the rising road toll and are urging drivers to be extra vigilant during the holiday season. Superintendent Brett Jackson emphasized the need for drivers to be aware of the “Fatal Five” factors that contribute to serious crashes: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.
Contributing Factors
The contributing factors to the crash are still under investigation. Potential factors that may be considered include speed, driver fatigue, distraction, visibility, road conditions, and the possibility of a medical episode or vehicle malfunction.