Man Dies, Woman in Critical Condition After Caravan Crash on Bruce Highway Near Caloundra – May 15, 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

A tragic two-vehicle crash occurred on the Bruce Highway near Nirimba , just south of Caloundra , Queensland, on Thursday, May 15, 2025 , at approximately 11:20 am , resulting in the death of an 80-year-old man and life-threatening injuries to a 60-year-old woman .

The incident involved a four-wheel drive towing a caravan that collided with a ute before rolling down an embankment . The elderly male driver died at the scene despite resuscitation efforts by paramedics. His passenger was extricated from the vehicle and airlifted to Sunshine Coast University Hospital , where she remains in serious condition with chest and abdominal injuries .

Police have closed the northbound lane of the Bruce Highway near Roys Road and are diverting traffic via Steve Irwin Way due to delays. Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward as part of their investigation.

“Paramedics had been treating the driver… but police have now confirmed he died at the scene.”
— ABC News report

• Crash Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 (approximately 11:20 am).
• Location: Bruce Highway near Nirimba, close to Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

• A four-wheel drive towing a caravan, carrying an 80-year-old male driver and a 60-year-old female passenger.
• A ute, driven by a man who was not physically injured in the collision.

• Fatality:
  • The 80-year-old male driver died at the scene despite emergency treatment.
• Serious Injuries:
  • The 60-year-old female passenger sustained chest and abdominal injuries and is fighting for her life at hospital.
• No Injuries:
  • The driver of the ute was unharmed and remained at the scene to assist authorities.

This tragic crash highlights the risks associated with towing large loads on major highways , especially during peak travel times. The loss of an elderly life and the critical injury of another serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of older road users and the importance of safe driving when managing caravans or heavy trailers.

• Road Closure: Northbound Bruce Highway lanes are currently closed near Roys Road.
• Diversions: Motorists are being diverted via Steve Irwin Way.
• Delays: Traffic is experiencing extended delays; drivers are urged to avoid the area if possible.

Emergency Response

• Emergency services responded quickly after reports of a serious crash involving a rollover and entrapment.
• Fire crews worked to extract both occupants from the damaged four-wheel drive before medical teams provided urgent care.
• Towing and clean-up operations are ongoing, causing significant delays for northbound drivers.

“The woman has suffered chest and abdominal injuries.”
— Queensland Police statement

Investigation

Queensland Police are investigating the cause of the crash, focusing on:

• The sequence of events leading up to the collision between the caravan-towing vehicle and the ute.
• Road conditions, visibility, and potential factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure.
• Dashcam or CCTV footage of the Bruce Highway around the time of the crash.

Authorities are urging the public to provide any information that may help determine how the crash occurred.

“Drivers are asked to avoid the area.”
— Queensland Police update

Appeal for Information

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the Bruce Highway near Nirimba around 11:20 am on May 15, 2025 , is urged to contact police:

• Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
• Witness Reporting: Contact Queensland Police directly via local station or submit tips through the official website.