Driver Killed in Bruce Highway Crash Near Innisfail – December 17, 2024

What happened

Incident Overview

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, a 66-year-old man from Wongaling Beach died in a single-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway near Innisfail, Queensland. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a pole at approximately 3:10 pm, resulting in fatal injuries to the driver. A 56-year-old female passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency services attended the scene, but the driver could not be saved. Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit has commenced a full investigation into the circumstances of the collision.

Location and Time

The crash occurred on the Bruce Highway near Goondi Bend in Innisfail, Queensland, at approximately 3:10 pm on Tuesday afternoon, December 17, 2024. This section of the highway is known for its winding sections and scenic terrain.

Vehicles Involved

Vehicle 1

• Make/Model: not specified in report
• Direction: travelling on Bruce Highway
• Driver: 66-year-old male from Wongaling Beach (deceased at scene)
• Passenger: 56-year-old female (transported to hospital)

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• 66-year-old male driver (deceased at scene)

Injuries

• 56-year-old female passenger (transported to Innisfail Hospital, non-life-threatening injuries)

Community Impact

The incident has prompted renewed focus on road safety during the holiday season. Authorities have expressed concern about Queensland’s rising road toll, which is tracking toward exceeding 300 fatalities in 2024, the highest number in nearly two decades. Police have emphasised the importance of awareness regarding the “Fatal Five” contributing factors: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

Emergency Response

Emergency services, including paramedics and Queensland Police, attended the scene promptly following the crash. The 56-year-old female passenger was transported to Innisfail Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the rapid response, the driver could not be saved.

Investigation

Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Investigators are examining the scene, the vehicle involved, and gathering witness statements and any available dashcam footage to determine the cause of the collision and identify contributing factors. The exact cause remains under investigation, with potential factors including speed, driver fatigue, distraction, visibility, road conditions, and the possibility of a medical episode or vehicle malfunction.

Appeal for Information

Queensland Police are appealing for any witnesses to the crash or motorists with dashcam footage of the Bruce Highway near Goondi Bend around 3:10 pm on December 17, 2024, to come forward. Information can be provided to Queensland Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.