September 5, 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 serious three-vehicle crash occurred on the Flinders Highway between Mingela and Charters Towers on Thursday afternoon, September 4, 2025. At approximately 5:15 pm, smoke from a nearby grass fire blew across the highway, prompting the driver of a cattle truck to slow down. A second cattle truck collided with the rear of the first, and a 4WD then struck the second truck. The male driver and female passenger of the second cattle truck were both airlifted to Townsville University Hospital in a serious condition.

“Forensic Crash Unit are appealing for dashcam footage after a traffic crash in Mingela yesterday afternoon.” — Queensland Police Service

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025 (approximately 5:15 pm)
  • Location: Flinders Highway, between Mingela and Charters Towers, Queensland

Vehicles Involved

  • Cattle truck (first vehicle slowed due to smoke from a grass fire)
  • Cattle truck (second vehicle, collided with the rear of the first truck; two occupants seriously injured)
  • 4WD (third vehicle, collided with the second truck)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • No fatalities reported.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • Male driver of the second cattle truck, airlifted to Townsville University Hospital in a serious condition.
    • Female passenger of the second cattle truck, airlifted to Townsville University Hospital in a serious condition.
  • No Injuries:
    • No injuries reported for occupants of the first cattle truck or the 4WD at this stage.

Emergency Response

  • Police, paramedics, and fire crews responded after the crash at 5:15 pm.
  • The injured driver and passenger of the second truck were stabilised and airlifted to Townsville University Hospital.
  • The Forensic Crash Unit attended to investigate the sequence of collisions and contributing conditions.

“Investigators are appealing for anyone who has dashcam vision or was travelling on the road at that time to contact police.” — Queensland Police Service

Police Investigation
Queensland Police are examining:

  • The effect of smoke from the grass fire on visibility and road safety at the time of the crash.
  • The sequence of collisions between the two cattle trucks and the 4WD.
  • Dashcam and CCTV footage from motorists travelling on the Flinders Highway near Mingela around 5:15 pm.

Community Impact
The crash has highlighted the dangers of driving in smoke-affected conditions on Queensland highways, particularly for heavy vehicles. The serious injuries sustained by the cattle truck driver and passenger have affected both the local community and the regional freight sector reliant on the Flinders Highway.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage to contact:

  • Policelink: Report online at [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 online at [www.crimestoppersqld.com.au](https://www.crimestoppersqld.com.au)