Fatal Traffic Crash at Sunshine Beach Claims Life of 15-Year-Old Girl – February 28, 2025

Incident Overview
A tragic traffic crash occurred in Sunshine Beach on the evening of February 28, 2025 , claiming the life of a 15-year-old girl. The incident unfolded around 6:50 pm on Edwards Street when a BMW X5 collided with two stationary vehicles before rolling over. Emergency services were called to the scene and found three occupants inside the BMW. While the driver and one passenger were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening and serious injuries, respectively, the third passenger—a 15-year-old girl—tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

The Forensic Crash Unit has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and is appealing to the public for any information that could assist in piecing together the events leading up to the collision. This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the potentially fatal consequences of reckless driving behaviors.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on Edwards Street in Sunshine Beach, a picturesque coastal suburb located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The incident took place at approximately 6:50 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025 , during the evening hours when visibility can sometimes be reduced due to fading light. Edwards Street is a residential area, and the presence of stationary vehicles suggests the possibility of parked cars along the road, which may have contributed to the collision.

Vehicles Involved
The crash involved a BMW X5, driven by a 48-year-old woman from Peregian Beach, and two stationary vehicles that were struck during the collision. The BMW, traveling along Edwards Street, collided with the stationary vehicles before rolling over. The force of the impact caused significant damage to the BMW, leaving its occupants injured and trapping them inside the vehicle.

The two stationary vehicles were unoccupied at the time of the crash, which likely prevented further injuries or fatalities. However, the extent of the damage to these vehicles highlights the severity of the collision.

Crash Description
Initial investigations suggest that the BMW X5 was traveling along Edwards Street when it collided with two stationary vehicles. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, but it is believed that the BMW lost control, striking the parked cars before rolling over. The rollover would have subjected the occupants to significant forces, increasing the risk of severe injuries.

Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene and worked tirelessly to extricate the occupants from the wreckage. Paramedics provided immediate medical care to the victims, stabilizing the driver and airlifting the 17-year-old passenger to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for treatment. Tragically, despite their best efforts, the 15-year-old girl sustained critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The condition of the BMW and the positioning of the stationary vehicles will be key areas of focus for investigators as they determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

Injuries/Fatalities
The crash resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries. The 15-year-old female passenger tragically died at the scene due to the critical injuries she sustained in the rollover. Her death has left the community in mourning, with friends and family grappling with the sudden loss of a young life.

The driver, a 48-year-old woman from Peregian Beach, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for further assessment and treatment. A 17-year-old girl, also from Peregian Beach, was airlifted to the same hospital with serious injuries. She is currently receiving medical care, and her condition is being closely monitored.

No other individuals were injured in the crash, as the two stationary vehicles were unoccupied at the time of the collision.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics and police, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Upon arrival, paramedics assessed the occupants of the BMW and worked quickly to stabilize them. The driver and 17-year-old passenger were extracted from the vehicle and transported to the hospital, while the 15-year-old girl was declared deceased at the scene despite the efforts of emergency responders.

The Forensic Crash Unit attended the location to conduct a thorough investigation. Investigators examined the damaged vehicles, skid marks, and environmental factors such as road conditions and visibility. They are also reviewing whether seatbelts were used by all occupants, as this could have played a role in the severity of the injuries sustained.

Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. Information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting a report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au . Please quote reference number QP2500364181 when providing information.

Community Impact
The tragic death of the 15-year-old girl has deeply affected the Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach communities. Residents have expressed their condolences to the family, emphasizing the profound grief and loss experienced by those close to the victim. Such incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of traffic accidents.

The crash has reignited discussions about road safety, particularly among younger drivers and passengers. Community members are calling for increased awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Additionally, there is growing concern about the prevalence of risky driving behaviors, such as speeding, distraction, and failure to wear seatbelts, which can significantly increase the likelihood of serious crashes.

Investigation
The Forensic Crash Unit is conducting an ongoing investigation into the crash, focusing on several key areas. Investigators are examining the actions of the driver leading up to the collision, including whether factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical issues with the BMW played a role. Road conditions and visibility at the time of the crash are also being assessed, as these elements can influence driver behavior and decision-making.

Another critical aspect of the investigation involves determining whether seatbelts were used by all occupants of the BMW. Failure to wear seatbelts can exacerbate injuries in the event of a crash, particularly in rollover incidents where occupants are subjected to significant forces.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting a report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au . Please quote reference number QP2500364181 when providing information.

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, several potential contributing factors are being explored. Driver error, such as speeding or losing control of the vehicle, is a primary focus. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected obstacles, such as stationary vehicles, and increases the severity of collisions.

Distraction or impairment is another possible factor. Drivers who are distracted by mobile phones, passengers, or other stimuli may fail to notice hazards in time to avoid a crash. Similarly, impairment due to fatigue, alcohol, or drugs can significantly impair judgment and reaction times.

Road conditions and visibility issues on Edwards Street at the time of the crash are also being examined. Poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or obstructions could have contributed to the collision.

Finally, investigators are assessing whether seatbelts were used by all occupants of the BMW. Failure to wear seatbelts can lead to more severe injuries in crashes, particularly in rollover incidents where occupants are at greater risk of being ejected or sustaining critical harm.

• Driver error, such as speeding or losing control of the vehicle.
• Possible distractions or impairments affecting the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
• Road conditions or visibility issues on Edwards Street at the time of the crash.
• Failure to wear seatbelts, which may have exacerbated injuries for some occupants.