Elderly Woman, 71, Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on Wide Bay Highway at Goomeri – Driver Airlifted to Hospital – March 20, 2025

Incident Overview
A tragic single-vehicle crash on the Wide Bay Highway at Goomeri , northwest of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, has claimed the life of a 71-year-old woman. The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025 , when the vehicle left the road and struck a tree.

The elderly woman, who was a passenger in the car, died at the scene despite efforts by emergency services to free her from the wreckage. The 78-year-old male driver sustained significant injuries to his arm, neck, and chest and was airlifted to Royal Brisbane Hospital , where he remains in serious condition.

Queensland Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and have urged witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on the Wide Bay Highway , between Grant Road and Boonara Street , near Goomeri , at approximately 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025 . The rural location and mid-afternoon timing may have contributed to the severity of the collision.

Vehicles Involved

• A single westbound vehicle, driven by the 78-year-old male victim.

The vehicle sustained significant damage after colliding with a tree, requiring emergency services to extricate the occupants from the wreckage.

Crash Description
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a car that had left the road and collided with a tree. Upon arrival, responders found the 71-year-old female passenger critically injured and trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighters worked to free her from the wreckage before paramedics provided urgent medical care.

Despite their efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The 78-year-old male driver suffered significant trauma to his arm, neck, and chest and was airlifted to Royal Brisbane Hospital for treatment.

Authorities conducted an initial investigation, documenting skid marks, vehicle positions, and road conditions. Investigators are working to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash, including speed, driver behavior, and other potential contributing factors.

Injuries/Fatalities

• The 71-year-old female passenger died at the scene.
• The 78-year-old male driver was airlifted to Royal Brisbane Hospital and remains in serious condition.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and police, responded swiftly to the crash site after it was reported. Firefighters worked to extricate the trapped woman from the wreckage, while paramedics provided urgent medical care to both occupants.

The male driver was airlifted to Royal Brisbane Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Queensland Police secured the area and coordinated traffic management while conducting an initial investigation.

A crime scene was established to document evidence, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris. Investigators are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist with their inquiries.

Community Impact
The death of the 71-year-old woman has deeply affected the local community, particularly given the elderly couple’s connection to the region. Emergency services personnel expressed grave concerns for the woman’s survival due to the severity of her injuries.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers on rural roads like the Wide Bay Highway, especially during daylight hours when distractions or fatigue may play a role.

Investigation
Queensland Police are conducting a detailed investigation into the crash, focusing on several key areas:

• The actions of the driver leading up to the collision, including speed and adherence to road rules.
• Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the crash.
• Potential factors such as distraction, fatigue, or mechanical issues with the vehicle.

Investigators are reviewing whether alcohol or drug impairment played a role in the crash. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward to assist with their inquiries. Information can be provided via Policelink by calling 131 444 or online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting . Alternatively, report anonymously via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting www.crimestoppersqld.com.au .