April 2, 2025

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Incident Overview
A serious crash on the Bruce Highway at Kuttabul , near Mackay , has left one man fighting for his life and two others injured. The collision occurred at approximately 8:57 am on Wednesday, March 31, 2025 , involving two vehicles.

The driver of one vehicle, a man in his 40s, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Mackay Hospital in critical condition. Two other individuals involved in the crash were assessed for minor injuries but declined hospital treatment.

The northbound lanes of the Bruce Highway , near McLeans Road , were closed for several hours during investigations and clean-up, causing traffic delays in the area. Police have urged motorists to exercise caution and expect delays while the highway remains partially closed.

Details of the Crash

  • Crash Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2025 (approximately 8:57 am).
  • Location: Bruce Highway, near McLeans Road, Kuttabul, Mackay.
  • Vehicles Involved: Two vehicles collided.
  • Victims:
    • A man in his 40s, critically injured and airlifted to Mackay Hospital.
    • Two others with minor injuries, treated at the scene but not hospitalized.

Emergency services, including paramedics and a rescue helicopter, responded promptly to the scene. The man in his 40s was treated for life-threatening injuries before being airlifted to the hospital.

Emergency Response
Paramedics provided urgent medical care to all three individuals involved in the crash. The man in his 40s required advanced life support due to the severity of his injuries. A rescue helicopter was called to the scene to transport him to Mackay Hospital for further treatment.

The two other individuals were assessed for minor injuries but chose not to be taken to the hospital, according to the Queensland Ambulance Service .

Police and emergency crews worked to secure the crash site and manage traffic while investigations and clean-up operations were underway.

Community Impact
The crash has caused significant disruptions to traffic on the Bruce Highway , a major transport corridor in Queensland’s north. The closure of the northbound lanes near McLeans Road led to delays for motorists traveling through the area.

Authorities have warned travelers to expect ongoing delays and advised them to seek alternative routes if possible. Local residents and businesses have expressed concern over the frequency of serious crashes on this stretch of the highway, calling for improved safety measures.

Police Investigation
The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the crash, focusing on:

  • The actions of both 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 impairment.

Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to assist with their inquiries.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:

Road Safety Context
This incident highlights the dangers faced by motorists on the Bruce Highway , particularly in regional areas like Kuttabul . High-speed collisions and multi-vehicle crashes are a recurring issue on this stretch of road, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and increased enforcement of traffic laws.

Advocates are urging drivers to remain vigilant, adhere to speed limits, and avoid distractions while driving. Authorities are also reminding motorists to allow extra travel time and exercise patience during peak traffic periods.

How You Can Help
If you were traveling on the Bruce Highway near Kuttabul around the time of the crash or have any information about the incident, your assistance could be crucial. Dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, or eyewitness accounts may help piece together the events leading up to the collision.

Please contact Queensland Police using the details provided above to share any relevant information.