March 21, 2025

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
A fatal traffic crash near Goomeri has claimed the life of a 71-year-old woman and left her 78-year-old husband in serious condition. The incident occurred on the Wide Bay Highway , between Grant Road and Boonara Street , at approximately 1:40 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025 , when their vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.

The passenger, a 71-year-old woman from Murgon , died at the scene despite efforts by emergency services. The driver, a 78-year-old man also from Murgon , was airlifted to Royal Brisbane Hospital , where he remains in a serious condition.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and has appealed for 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 1:40 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025 . The rural location and mid-afternoon timing likely contributed to the severity of the collision.

Vehicles Involved

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

The vehicle sustained significant damage after colliding with a tree, requiring emergency services to secure the scene and conduct a thorough investigation.

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 vehicle severely damaged, with the 71-year-old female passenger deceased at the scene.

The 78-year-old male driver was critically injured and airlifted to Royal Brisbane Hospital for urgent medical 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 a serious condition.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and police, responded swiftly to the crash site after it was reported. Paramedics worked to stabilize the injured driver before airlifting him to the hospital for further treatment. 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. The Forensic Crash Unit attended the scene to gather further evidence and interview any potential witnesses.

Community Impact
The death of the 71-year-old woman has deeply affected the local community, particularly given the elderly couple’s connection to nearby Murgon . 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.

Authorities are urging the public to assist with their investigation by providing any relevant information or dashcam footage that could help piece together the events leading up to the crash.

Investigation
The Forensic Crash Unit is 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 .

Reference number: QP2500478985