March 23, 2025

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 tragic single-vehicle crash near Goomeri , northwest of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, has now claimed a second life. The incident occurred on the Wide Bay Highway on Thursday, March 20, 2025 , when the vehicle left the road and struck a tree.

The passenger, a 71-year-old woman from Murgon , died at the scene. The driver, a 78-year-old man also from Murgon , was airlifted to Royal Brisbane Hospital in serious condition but succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, March 23, 2025 .

The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing its investigation into the crash, and authorities urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on the Wide Bay Highway , between Grant Road and Boonara Street , near Goomeri , at approximately 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025 . The rural location and mid-afternoon timing may have contributed to the severity of the collision.

Vehicles Involved

  • A single vehicle, driven by the deceased 78-year-old male.

The vehicle sustained significant damage after colliding with a tree, requiring emergency services to secure the scene and conduct a thorough investigation.

Crash Description
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a car that had left the road and collided with a tree. Upon arrival, responders found the 71-year-old female passenger critically injured and trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighters worked to free her from the wreckage, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 78-year-old male driver was airlifted to Royal Brisbane Hospital with serious injuries. Despite medical efforts, he passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025 , marking the second fatality from the crash.

Authorities conducted an initial investigation, documenting skid marks, vehicle positions, 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

  • The 71-year-old female passenger died at the scene on March 20, 2025.
  • The 78-year-old male driver died in the hospital on March 23, 2025, due to sustained injuries.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and police, responded swiftly to the crash site on March 20. Firefighters extricated the trapped woman, while paramedics airlifted the driver to Royal Brisbane Hospital . Police secured the area and coordinated traffic management during the investigation.

Community Impact
The deaths of both occupants have left the Murgon community devastated, underscoring the risks of rural road travel. The crash highlights the vulnerability of elderly drivers and passengers, particularly on highways like the Wide Bay Highway.

Investigation
The Forensic Crash Unit is conducting a detailed investigation into the crash, focusing on:

  • The driver’s actions leading up to the collision, including speed and road rule adherence.
  • Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the crash.
  • Potential factors such as distraction, fatigue, or mechanical issues.

Police are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist with their inquiries. Information can be provided via Policelink (131 444 or online) or anonymously via Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000 ).

Reference number: QP2500478985