Multi-vehicle traffic crash, Bajool

What happened

Incident Overview

On Wednesday, 19 July 2023, a serious seven-vehicle collision occurred on the Bruce Highway at Bajool, Queensland, resulting in multiple vehicles catching fire and six people being transported to hospital with injuries including suspected spinal trauma.

Queensland Police were called just before 11:30am to reports of the multi-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers found three vehicles on fire and four others extensively damaged. Police declared an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) at 12:00pm, establishing an exclusion zone across the Bruce Highway, McLean Road, and Bobs Creek Road.

Location and Time

The collision occurred on the Bruce Highway at Bajool, Queensland, at approximately 11:30am on Wednesday, 19 July 2023.

Vehicles Involved

Vehicle 1

• Make/Model: B-double truck
• Condition: extensively damaged

Vehicle 2

• Make/Model: Semi-trailer
• Cargo: military tank
• Condition: extensively damaged

Vehicle 3

• Make/Model: Flat-bed truck
• Cargo: two caravans
• Condition: extensively damaged

Vehicles 4–7

• Three cars and one four-wheel-drive towing a caravan
• Three vehicles caught fire; four were extensively damaged

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• Six people transported to Rockhampton and Gladstone Hospitals
• Three patients with suspected spinal injuries

Community Impact

The Bruce Highway was closed at the scene following the collision and was expected to remain closed for an extended period. The emergency declaration under the PSPA was later revoked; however, motorists were urged to avoid the area or expect significant delays.

Emergency Response

Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance Service, and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene. Six patients were transported to Rockhampton and Gladstone Hospitals, with three presenting with suspected spinal injuries requiring specialist care.

Investigation

Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the collision. Investigations are continuing, and police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant vision of the incident to come forward.

Appeal for Information

Queensland Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant information or vision of the collision to contact Policelink on 131 444, submit information via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting (available 24 hours), or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.