December 5, 2024

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 serious crash between a B-double truck and a ute on the Bruce Highway in Marlborough, Queensland, has left multiple people with critical injuries. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, December 5, 2024, and prompted a major emergency response, including the deployment of two rescue helicopters.

Location and Time

The crash happened around 1:00 pm on the Bruce Highway in Marlborough, Queensland, approximately 100 kilometers north of Rockhampton.

Vehicles Involved

The crash involved two vehicles: a B-double truck and a ute.

Crash Description

A B-double truck and a ute collided on the Bruce Highway, causing both vehicles to roll over. The specific circumstances leading up to the crash are under investigation.

Injuries

Five people sustained serious injuries in the crash:

  • A man in his 20s suffered life-threatening head, chest, and abdominal injuries.
  • A woman in her 50s sustained life-threatening abdominal and leg injuries.
  • A man in his 30s also sustained life-threatening injuries.
  • Two other men in their 20s sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency Response

Multiple emergency service crews, including two rescue helicopters (CQ Rescue and CapRescue), responded to the scene. Firefighters used cutting equipment to free one of the passengers from the ute.

Transport of Injured

The three people with life-threatening injuries were airlifted to Rockhampton Hospital. The two others with serious injuries were also transported to the hospital.

Road Closure and Diversion

The Bruce Highway was closed for several hours following the crash, but a diversion was put in place around 5:00 pm. Motorists were urged to avoid the area or expect significant delays.

Investigation

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Community Impact

This crash has caused significant disruption to traffic on the Bruce Highway, a major arterial road in Queensland. It also adds to the concerning road toll in the state, which has seen an increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.

Contributing Factors

The contributing factors to the crash are still under investigation. However, given the severity of the crash and the involvement of a heavy vehicle, factors such as speed, fatigue, driver distraction, and road conditions will likely be considered.