July 21, 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 devastating high-speed crash on the Capricorn Highway near Comet in Queensland’s Central Highlands has claimed the lives of four people, including a father and his two young children. The Holden Commodore they were travelling in collided head-on with a Toyota Hilux, igniting both vehicles. Police and emergency services responded to the scene just before 11am on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Sunday, July 20, 2025 (approx. 10:50am)
  • Location: Capricorn Highway, between Comet and Blackwater, Central Highlands, QLD

Vehicles Involved

  • Holden Commodore (four occupants – travelling westbound)
  • Toyota Hilux (two occupants – travelling eastbound)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • Shaun Ranger, 28 – deceased at the scene
    • Baylee Ranger, 7 – deceased at the scene
    • Chandler Ranger, 6 – deceased at the scene
    • Unidentified 32-year-old male passenger in Holden – deceased at the scene
  • Serious Injuries:
    • 28-year-old male (Toyota Hilux occupant) – serious but stable condition at Emerald Hospital
    • 27-year-old male (Toyota Hilux occupant) – airlifted to Brisbane in life-threatening condition

Emergency Response

  • Multiple QAS, QFES and RACQ Capricorn Rescue units responded
  • Both vehicles caught fire following impact
  • Capricorn Hwy closed in both directions for several hours
  • Forensic Crash Unit continues investigations

Investigation
Authorities are examining:

  • Whether excessive speed was a factor in the head-on collision
  • The exact manoeuvre made by the Holden Commodore prior to impact
  • Vehicle condition and driver behaviour leading to the crash

Inspector Ben Wiltshire stated that a full forensic investigation is ongoing, describing the injuries as “horrific.”
Community Impact
This tragedy has deeply affected the Central Highlands region. The deceased children’s mother, Renee Carla, who was following in a separate car, is now left to raise their youngest child alone. A GoFundMe has been launched to support funeral expenses and the surviving family.

Local authorities have pledged to increase traffic enforcement and awareness in the region. Inspector Wiltshire emphasized that the crash is “a stark reminder of the fragility of life.”

Witnesses/Appeals
Police continue to appeal for assistance:

  • Crime Stoppers QLD: 1800 333 000 or [report online](https://www.crimestoppersqld.com.au)
  • Policelink: Submit information online at [police.qld.gov.au/reporting](https://www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting)