One Dead, Two Injured in Fiery Bruce Highway Crash Near Bowen – Vehicle Engulfed in Flames – March 24, 2025

Incident Overview
A fatal crash on the Bruce Highway near Bowen , in north Queensland, has claimed one life and left two others injured. The collision occurred at approximately 6:00 am on Monday, March 24, 2025 , at the Scully Street intersection , south-west of Bowen.

The crash involved two vehicles, one of which burst into flames upon impact. Emergency services, including four fire crews, responded swiftly to the scene. A person was declared dead at the scene, while two others were transported to Bowen Hospital with varying injuries.

The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the incident, and authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to assist with their inquiries.

Location and Time
The crash occurred at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Scully Street , south-west of Bowen , at approximately 6:00 am on Monday, March 24, 2025 . The early morning timing and busy highway location likely contributed to the severity of the incident.

Vehicles Involved

• Two vehicles collided, one of which caught fire after the impact.

One vehicle was completely engulfed in flames, requiring emergency services to use cutting gear to gain access and extricate occupants. Both vehicles sustained significant damage, leaving debris scattered across the roadway.

Crash Description
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a fiery two-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway . Upon arrival, responders found one vehicle fully engulfed in flames, requiring immediate action by fire crews to extinguish the blaze. Cutting gear was used to pry open one of the vehicles and rescue trapped occupants.

A person was declared dead at the scene, while two others were transported to Bowen Hospital :

• One patient sustained minor injuries.
• The other suffered severe pelvic and abdominal injuries.

Authorities conducted an initial investigation, documenting vehicle positions, skid marks, and road conditions. Investigators are working to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash, including speed, driver behavior, and other potential contributing factors.

Injuries/Fatalities

• One person died at the scene.
• One person sustained minor injuries and was transported to hospital.
• One person suffered severe pelvic and abdominal injuries and was transported to hospital in serious condition.

This marks the 50th fatality on Queensland roads so far this year, highlighting the ongoing issue of road safety in the region.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics, police, and fire crews, responded swiftly to the crash site after it was reported. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and extricate occupants from the vehicles, while paramedics provided urgent medical care to the injured.

The Bruce Highway remains closed in both directions as authorities work to clear the scene and investigate the crash. Diversions have been established, though heavy vehicles are advised to seek alternative routes due to the unsuitability of the detour.

Community Impact
The crash has caused significant disruption for motorists traveling along the Bruce Highway , particularly given its status as a major arterial route in north Queensland. Vehicles have been stranded, and delays are expected to persist as cleanup operations continue.

The death of one individual and the serious injuries sustained by another have deeply affected the local community. The fact that one vehicle was engulfed in flames adds to the shock and tragedy of the incident.

Authorities are urging the public to assist with their investigation by providing any relevant information or dashcam footage that could help piece together the events leading up to the crash.

Investigation
The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is conducting a detailed investigation into the crash, focusing on several key areas:

• The actions of the drivers leading up to the collision, including speed and adherence to road rules.
• Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the crash.
• Potential factors such as distraction, fatigue, or mechanical issues with the vehicles involved.

Investigators are reviewing whether alcohol or drug impairment played a role in the crash. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward to assist with their inquiries. Information can be provided via Policelink by calling 131 444 or online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting .