November 23, 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
New details have emerged following the fatal truck collision at Canoona on Wednesday, 19 November. A 21-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter, who were passengers in a Freightliner truck, were declared deceased at the scene. The child’s father, a 24-year-old man, was ejected from the vehicle and airlifted to Brisbane in a critical condition with multiple life-threatening injuries and burns. The crash involved two trucks on the Bruce Highway shortly before 11pm. The driver of the second truck, a 24-year-old man from New South Wales, sustained only minor injuries. Family members have described the loss as “shattering” and say the injured father remains unaware that his partner and child have died.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 (just before 11pm)
  • Update Date: Sunday, 23 November 2025 (updated 24 November)
  • Location: Bruce Highway, Canoona, north of Rockhampton, QLD

Vehicles Involved

  • Freightliner truck — carrying three occupants
  • Second truck (make/model not specified) — driven by a 24-year-old NSW man

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • 21-year-old woman — deceased at the scene.
    • Two-year-old girl — deceased at the scene.
  • Critical/Serious Injuries:
    • 24-year-old man — ejected from truck; sustained multiple life-threatening injuries and burns; airlifted to Brisbane.
  • Other Injuries:
    • 24-year-old NSW truck driver — minor injuries.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended the scene, confirming two fatalities.
  • The critically injured man was airlifted to Brisbane for specialist treatment.
  • The other truck driver was treated for minor injuries.

Police Investigation
The Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

  • Police have not yet established the full cause of the crash.
  • Officers continue to review evidence and appeal for information or dashcam footage.

Community Impact
The deaths of the young mother and child have deeply affected the Rockhampton and Koongal communities. Family members have spoken publicly about their grief and the ongoing medical and financial challenges as the surviving father undergoes extensive surgeries. A community fundraising effort has been launched to support the family.

Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information or footage of the trucks’ movements prior to the crash to come forward. Quote reference number QP2502101800.

  • Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report anonymously online.
  • Provide information via Policelink on 131 444 or through the QPS online reporting form.