January 27, 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 37-year-old father, Chris Vrbesic, and his four-year-old son have tragically lost their lives in a two-car crash in Ransome, south of Brisbane. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, at the intersection of Rickertt Road and Chelsea Road.  

Location and Time

The crash happened just before 9:00 am at the intersection of Rickertt Road and Chelsea Road in Ransome, Brisbane. This is a residential area with a mix of houses and local businesses, and the crash occurred during the morning when traffic and pedestrian activity can be moderate.  

Vehicles Involved

Two vehicles were involved in the collision: a blue Holden Commodore driven by Chris Vrbesic and a red Mitsubishi Lancer.  

Crash Description

The blue Holden Commodore and the red Mitsubishi Lancer collided at the intersection. The specific details of how the crash occurred are not yet available, as the incident is under investigation. However, given that it was an intersection crash, factors such as right-of-way rules, driver distraction or inattention, and speed may be considered.  

Injuries/Fatalities

Tragically, both the 37-year-old driver of the Holden Commodore, Chris Vrbesic, and his four-year-old son, who was a passenger in the car, died as a result of the crash. The driver and sole occupant of the Mitsubishi Lancer, a 29-year-old man from Birkdale, sustained minor injuries.  

Emergency Response

Emergency services, including police and paramedics, attended the scene. Despite their efforts, Chris Vrbesic could not be saved. His son was rushed to the Queensland Children’s Hospital but sadly passed away later.  

Investigation

The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances that led to the crash. They will be examining the scene, the vehicles involved, and gathering any available witness statements or dashcam footage to determine the cause of the collision and any contributing factors.

Witnesses/Appeals

Witnesses and anyone with footage of the incident are urged to contact the police. This information could be crucial in assisting the investigators in determining the cause of the collision and any contributing factors.

Community Impact

This tragic incident has deeply affected the local community and serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, especially at intersections. The loss of a young child and his father in the crash adds to the emotional impact of the incident. Tributes have flowed for Chris Vrbesic, who was a respected member of the car enthusiast community and a project manager at Innate Developments.  

Contributing Factors

The contributing factors to the crash are still under investigation.