Three-Vehicle Crash on Bruce Highway Claims Life of 24-Year-Old Driver in Bajool – May 14, 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

A fatal three-vehicle crash occurred on the Bruce Highway in Bajool , Queensland, on Tuesday, May 14, 2025 , at approximately 2:40 pm .

Initial investigations indicate that a white Suzuki Jimny was traveling southbound when it collided with a white Toyota Hilux heading northbound . A grey Toyota Hilux , also northbound, then struck the white Toyota.

The driver of the Suzuki Jimny , a 24-year-old man from Boyne Island , was pronounced deceased at the scene . The 26-year-old driver of the white Hilux and the 28-year-old driver of the grey Hilux , both sustained injuries and were taken to Rockhampton Base Hospital for treatment.

The Queensland Police Service Forensic Crash Unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam/CCTV footage to come forward.

“The driver of the Jimny, a 24-year-old Boyne Island man, was declared deceased at the scene.”
— Queensland Police Service statement

• Crash Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2025 (approximately 2:40 pm).
• Location: Bruce Highway, Bajool, Queensland — near Rockhampton.

• A white Suzuki Jimny, driven by the deceased 24-year-old man.
• A white Toyota Hilux, driven by a 26-year-old man from Nundah, Queensland, who was injured and transported to hospital.
• A grey Toyota Hilux, driven by a 28-year-old man from Kiama, NSW, also involved in the collision.

• Fatality:
  • The 24-year-old male driver of the Suzuki Jimny died at the scene.
• Serious Injuries:
  • The 26-year-old driver of the white Toyota Hilux was hospitalized with injuries.
  • The 28-year-old driver of the grey Toyota Hilux was also taken to hospital following the crash.

This tragic crash has deeply affected local communities across Queensland and New South Wales , particularly due to the loss of a young life on one of Queensland’s busiest highways.

The incident reinforces the importance of road safety awareness and avoiding the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviors: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction .

Emergency Response

• Police and paramedics responded swiftly to reports of a serious multi-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway.
• The deceased driver was confirmed at the scene, while two other drivers were stabilized and transported for medical care.

“The driver of the white Hilux, a 26-year-old Nundah man, and the driver of the grey Hilux, a 28-year-old Kiama, NSW man, were transported to Rockhampton Base Hospital for treatment.”
— Queensland Police update

Investigation

The Forensic Crash Unit is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, focusing on:

• The sequence of events that led to the three-vehicle collision.
• Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the crash.
• Potential factors such as speed, distraction, fatigue, or mechanical failure involving any of the vehicles.

Authorities are reviewing available evidence and have appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist in their inquiry.

Appeal for Information

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam/CCTV footage is urged to contact authorities:

• Policelink: Submit anonymous tips via the suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, or call 131 444.
• Crime Stoppers QLD: Report anonymously by calling 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.