Truck Driver Killed in Fiery Collision on Bruce Highway – Takilberan, Bundaberg Region, QLD – 31 October 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

A truck driver has died following a fiery two-vehicle collision on the Bruce Highway at Takilberan, in Queensland’s Bundaberg Region, on Friday night, October 31, 2025.

Emergency services were called to the scene near Duckpond Road just before 9:30 pm after two large trucks collided and erupted into flames.

One driver was trapped inside the burning vehicle and sustained critical injuries. Paramedics were unable to save him, and he was declared deceased at the scene.

The other driver, a man in his 20s, managed to escape the wreckage and was treated by paramedics for minor wrist and facial injuries before being taken to Bundaberg Hospital in a stable condition.

The Forensic Crash Unit (FCU) is investigating the cause of the collision, and diversions remain in place along the Bruce Highway as emergency crews continue cleanup and recovery operations.

“Both vehicles burst into flames after the smash near Duckpond Road… One driver was trapped and critically injured. He could not be saved.” — Queensland Police / 7NEWS

• Crash Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 (approximately 9:30 pm)
• Location: Bruce Highway near Duckpond Road, Takilberan, Bundaberg Region, Queensland

• Two large trucks — both heavily damaged and engulfed in fire

• Fatality:
  • One truck driver — trapped in the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene after sustaining critical burn injuries.
• Other Injuries:
  • Male driver in his 20s — minor wrist and facial injuries; transported to Bundaberg Hospital in a stable condition.

The fatal crash caused significant traffic disruption along the Bruce Highway, one of Queensland’s busiest freight routes. Trucking and logistics groups have expressed condolences to the family of the deceased driver, while emergency crews have praised the efforts of responders who battled the intense fire.

Locals in the Takilberan area have called for continued upgrades to improve lighting and safety along the highway’s rural stretches, where heavy vehicle accidents remain a recurring concern.

Emergency Response

• Emergency crews arrived at the crash site shortly after 9:30 pm to find both vehicles engulfed in flames.
• Firefighters worked for several hours to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding vegetation.
• Queensland Ambulance Service treated one surviving driver at the scene before transport to hospital.
• Queensland Police and the Forensic Crash Unit established a crime scene and began investigating the circumstances of the collision.
• Traffic diversions were implemented on the Bruce Highway; motorists were warned to expect delays overnight and into Saturday morning.

“Traffic diversions are in place on the Bruce Highway, and motorists in the area are urged to expect delays.” — Queensland Police

Investigation

The Forensic Crash Unit (FCU) is investigating the cause of the fiery crash, focusing on:

• The sequence of events leading to the collision between the two trucks.
• Possible contributing factors such as fatigue, road conditions, lighting, or vehicle mechanical issues.
• Eyewitness statements and dashcam footage from other motorists who travelled the Bruce Highway near Duckpond Road between 9:00 pm and 9:45 pm.

Police confirmed one of the vehicles will undergo forensic examination once cooled, as investigators seek to determine the precise cause of ignition.

Appeal for Information

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to contact:

• Policelink: Report via [www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting](https://www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting) or call 131 444.
• Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report anonymously at [www.crimestoppersqld.com.au](https://www.crimestoppersqld.com.au).