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Incident Overview
A fatal crash occurred on the Bruce Highway at Rungoo , north of Ingham , in Far North Queensland , on Sunday, May 19, 2025 , at approximately 12:45 pm .
The collision involved a grey Holden sedan and a Scania G450 prime mover (truck). The driver of the car, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene . The truck driver, a man in his 50s from Kullogum , sustained a knee injury and was treated by paramedics.
Emergency services attended promptly, and the highway was closed for several hours during recovery and investigation efforts. The road reopened at approximately 10:00 pm , following lengthy delays exacerbated by regional events, including a North Queensland Cowboys game in Townsville and a motorsport event in Mareeba.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the incident and has appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist their inquiry.
“The driver of the car was declared dead at the scene.”
— ABC North Qld report
Location and Time
- Crash Date: Sunday, May 19, 2025 (approximately 12:45 pm).
- Location: Bruce Highway, Rungoo, north of Ingham, Far North Queensland.
Vehicles Involved
- A **grey Holden sedan**, driven by the deceased man.
- A **Scania G450 prime mover**, driven by a man in his 50s who sustained a knee injury.
Injuries/Fatalities
- Fatality:
- The driver of the grey Holden sedan died at the scene following the collision with the truck.
- Non-Fatal Injury:
- The truck driver, a man in his 50s, was treated for a knee injury and did not require hospitalization.
Emergency Response
- Police, paramedics, and fire crews responded quickly to the scene after reports of a serious crash involving a car and truck.
- The highway was closed for several hours while emergency services conducted recovery operations and investigations.
- Road reopening occurred at approximately **10:00 pm**, following significant delays caused by regional traffic congestion due to nearby events.
“The road was reopened at about 10 pm on Sunday.”
— Transport and Main Roads spokesperson
Traffic Impact
- Road Closures: The Bruce Highway was closed for over **9 hours** between **12:45 pm** and **10:00 pm** on Sunday.
- Delays: Motorists experienced lengthy delays, compounded by high traffic volumes following:
- A **North Queensland Cowboys game** in Townsville.
- A **motorsport event** in Mareeba.
Police Investigation
The Forensic Crash Unit is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, focusing on:
- The sequence of events leading to the collision between the car and the truck.
- Road conditions, visibility, and potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure.
- Dashcam or CCTV footage of the Bruce Highway near Rungoo around **12:45 pm on May 19, 2025**.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage to come forward to assist with their inquiry.
“Forensic Crash Unit officers are investigating the incident and anyone with information or dash cam footage is urged to contact police.”
— Queensland Police statement
Community Impact
This tragic incident has deeply affected the Far North Queensland community , particularly given the loss of life and the disruption caused to travelers along the Bruce Highway. It highlights the risks faced by drivers on major highways like the Bruce, where interactions between cars and heavy vehicles can result in severe outcomes.
For more information on road safety initiatives, visit: Queensland Road Safety Campaigns
Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the Bruce Highway near Rungoo around 12:45 pm on May 19, 2025 , is urged to contact authorities:
- Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
- Witness Reporting: Contact Queensland Police via local station or submit anonymous tips through the official website.