May 1, 2026

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
Two teenagers were left fighting for life after a four-vehicle crash on Maryborough Hervey Bay Road at Susan River, with police alleging a car driven by an unlicensed 14-year-old was on the wrong side of the road. Queensland Police allege the Mitsubishi Lancer lost control, crossed onto the opposite side and triggered a multi-vehicle collision, leaving multiple people injured.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, 01 May 2026 (6:10pm)
  • Location: Maryborough Hervey Bay Road, Susan River, QLD

Vehicles Involved

  • White Mitsubishi Lancer (allegedly driven by an unlicensed 14-year-old boy)
  • White Suzuki Swift
  • Orange Hyundai Kona
  • Red Volkswagen Polo

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • None reported.
  • Injuries:
    • 16-year-old girl (passenger in Mitsubishi Lancer) — critical abdominal, pelvic, limb and head injuries; taken to Hervey Bay Hospital, then airlifted to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.
    • 14-year-old boy from Granville (passenger in Mitsubishi Lancer) — injuries not specified; taken to Hervey Bay Hospital in a stable condition.
    • 16-year-old girl from Maryborough (passenger in Mitsubishi Lancer) — injuries not specified; taken to Hervey Bay Hospital in a stable condition.
    • 14-year-old boy (driver of Mitsubishi Lancer) — injuries not specified; taken to Hervey Bay Hospital in a stable condition.
    • 18-year-old woman from Wondunna (driver of Suzuki Swift) — critical abdominal, pelvic, limb and head injuries; taken to Hervey Bay Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition.
    • 58-year-old woman from Wondunna (passenger in Suzuki Swift) — chest and abdominal injuries; taken to Maryborough Hospital in a stable condition.
    • 40-year-old man from Eli Waters (driver of Hyundai Kona) — pelvic and limb injuries; treated in a potentially life-threatening condition and taken to Hervey Bay Hospital.
    • 40-year-old woman from Eli Waters (passenger in Hyundai Kona) — multiple injuries; taken to Hervey Bay Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition.
    • Two-year-old girl (passenger in Hyundai Kona) — multiple injuries; taken to Hervey Bay Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition.
    • 19-year-old man from Maryborough (driver/sole occupant of Volkswagen Polo) — minor injuries; taken to Maryborough Hospital as a precaution.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency crews were called to the scene after reports of multiple critically injured people, with some needing to be cut free from wreckage.
  • Patients were transported to Hervey Bay Hospital and Maryborough Hospital; one teenage girl was later airlifted by helicopter to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
  • Queensland Fire Department assisted to free the driver and passengers of the Hyundai Kona who were trapped in the vehicle.

Police Investigation
Queensland Police allege the Mitsubishi Lancer was travelling north when it lost control, crossed onto the opposite side of the road, swiped the Suzuki Swift and then collided with the Hyundai Kona, with the Volkswagen Polo also becoming involved. Investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing.

  • Charges laid, if any: Not stated.
  • Court appearances: Not stated.

Community Impact
Police said incidents of this nature send “shockwaves through communities”, noting the crash occurred on the third anniversary of a separate triple-fatal crash in Maryborough.

Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash to come forward.

  • Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
  • Policelink: Call 131 444.