January 3, 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

Two men have tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision on the Bruce Highway at Owanyilla, on Queensland’s Fraser Coast. The incident occurred on Friday morning, January 3, 2025, and also resulted in serious injuries to an 11-year-old boy.

Location and Time

The crash happened around 8:00 am on the Bruce Highway at Owanyilla, a locality on the Fraser Coast in Queensland.

Vehicles Involved

The crash involved two vehicles. While the makes and models were not specified in the provided 7 News article, I found additional information through a Google Search that indicates the vehicles were a white Hyundai hatchback and a white Volkswagen van.

Crash Description

The two vehicles collided head-on on the Bruce Highway. The specific details of how the crash occurred are not yet available, but it is known that the impact was severe, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.

Injuries/Fatalities

Two men, one aged in his 40s and the other in his 50s, died at the scene. An 11-year-old boy was also seriously injured in the crash and was airlifted by rescue helicopter to Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

Emergency Response

Emergency services, including paramedics and a rescue helicopter, attended the scene. Despite their efforts, the two men could not be saved.

Road Closure

The highway was closed in both directions near Mungar Road for approximately five hours to allow for emergency services to attend to the scene and for investigators to examine the crash site. The road has since reopened.

Investigation

Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the crash.

Community Impact

This tragic incident has shocked and saddened the local community and serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety. Officer Ed Gompelman highlighted the concerning number of fatalities on Fraser Coast roads in recent days, urging drivers to take care and prioritize safety.

Contributing Factors

The contributing factors to the crash are still under investigation. Potential factors that may be considered include speed, driver fatigue, distraction, visibility, road conditions, and the possibility of a medical episode or vehicle malfunction.