Car and ute crashes

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Police Seek White Toyota Hilux Driver Following Fatal Smithfield Bypass Crash in August 2026

Fatal Smithfield Bypass, Queensland

Published 28 August 2026

Key facts

Where
Fatal Smithfield Bypass, Queensland

What happened

Update: Police Witness Appeal

Queensland Police have renewed their appeal for information following the fatal three-vehicle crash on the Smithfield Bypass on 5 August 2026.

The original crash occurred at about 1.25pm and involved a Toyota Landcruiser ute, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru. A 25-year-old Palm Cove woman driving the RAV4 died, while four other people were taken to Cairns Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Vehicle of Interest

Investigators are seeking to speak with the driver of a white Toyota Hilux that may have been in the area before the crash. Police are also seeking information or vision relating to the driving of the Toyota Landcruiser ute between Palm Cove and Trinity Park on the Captain Cook Highway from about 1.15pm to 1.30pm that day.

Location and Time

  • Original crash date and time: About 1.25pm on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
  • Crash location: Smithfield Bypass, Smithfield, Queensland.
  • Relevant travel area: Captain Cook Highway between Palm Cove and Trinity Park.

How to Help

Anyone who saw the vehicles, has dashcam footage or other relevant information is asked to contact Policelink and quote reference QP2601515138.

Read the Queensland Police update

If you were involved in a crash in Queensland

  1. 01Injury claims are usually made against the compulsory third party (CTP) insurer of the vehicle at fault.
  2. 02A Notice of Accident Claim Form is generally due within 9 months of the crash, or within 1 month of first consulting a lawyer, whichever is earlier.
  3. 03Families of people killed in a crash may be able to claim for loss of financial support.

General information only, not legal advice.

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