January 12, 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 20-year-old learner driver from Sippy Downs has tragically died after his car lost control in wet conditions and crashed into a tree on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, January 12, 2025, and has prompted a police investigation and renewed calls for caution on wet roads.

Location and Time

The crash happened around 5:20 pm on Emu Mountain Road, just after the roundabout at Murdering Creek Road, in Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast. The area was experiencing wet conditions due to a recent storm, which likely contributed to the crash.

Vehicle Involved

The crash involved a single vehicle, a silver Mitsubishi Triton.

Crash Description

The young man, who was a learner driver, was driving the Mitsubishi Triton northbound on the Sunshine Motorway when he lost control of the vehicle due to the slippery road conditions. The car veered off Emu Mountain Road and crashed into a tree, causing significant damage to the vehicle and trapping the driver and passenger inside.

Injuries/Fatalities

The 20-year-old driver sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital, where he later died. The passenger, a 56-year-old man from Cooroibah, was uninjured.

Emergency Response

Emergency services, including police and fire crews, attended the scene. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools (“jaws of life”) to free the trapped driver from the wreckage.

Investigation

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Witnesses/Appeals

Investigators are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward and assist with the investigation. This information could be crucial in helping determine the exact cause of the crash and any contributing factors.

Community Impact

This tragic incident has saddened the local community and serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving in wet conditions. With storms expected to continue in the region, authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and adjust their driving to suit the conditions.

Contributing Factors

The primary contributing factor to the crash appears to be the wet and slippery road conditions caused by the storm. The driver’s inexperience as a learner driver may have also played a role in the incident.